'The Office' stars support Lucy Davis after Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis
Lucy Davis is receiving an outpouring of support from her fellow actors after revealing she has Stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to her bones.
Among those sharing messages was fellow "The Office" actor Jenna Fischer, who revealed in 2024 that she had been treated for breast cancer and is now cancer-free.
"Beautiful post. Love you lots," Fischer wrote in the comments on Davis' Instagram post. "And yes to working with cancer! Let’s spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!"
Ricky Gervais, who starred alongside Davis in the original British version of "The Office," also showed his support, responding to her announcement with a heart emoji.
Davis, 53, who played receptionist Dawn Tinsley on the British sitcom, shared her health update in an Instagram post on Aug. 11.
"Hi friends:) I wanted to share something with you all that I've kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now," Davis wrote. "A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo."
The "Shaun of the Dead" star said she first noticed a small hard spot that she almost did not have examined.
"The initial lump that I felt, wasn't a 'lump' as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn't bother getting it checked," she wrote. "So I guess I'm saying don't ignore anything -- get everything checked out:)."
Stage 4 breast cancer occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, according to the American Cancer Society. While it is considered very difficult to cure, treatment can often shrink or slow the growth of the cancer, improve symptoms and help some people live longer.
Davis said she is now focused on making the most of her time and finding lessons in her experience with cancer.
"As of now, I'm trying to live out whatever might be left of my life in as fun a way as I possibly can," she wrote. "I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard; there's a lot I have learned from it, and I'm grateful for that."
Davis also opened up about the physical toll of the disease, saying the pain can sometimes make it difficult for her to stand or walk and that she uses a wheelchair at times.
"So if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!" she wrote.
Through her diagnosis, Davis said humor has remained important to her and that she has asked friends and family not to treat her differently.
"The thing that has been most vital to me is humour," Davis wrote, adding, "There's nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you're unwell."
The actor also said she is "at peace" with what comes next.
"I'm not scared of whatever comes next. I'm at peace with it," she wrote. "Any and all grieving is for my family; it's far harder for them than for me."
Davis said she hopes to continue acting as long as she is able.
"I'm perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life," she wrote.
She concluded her message by offering support to others facing cancer.
"For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well. Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose," she wrote. "Much love to you all."
In addition to playing Dawn Tinsley in "The Office," which ran in the U.K. from 2001 to 2003, Davis starred as Dianne in the 2004 horror comedy "Shaun of the Dead" and played Etta Candy in 2017's "Wonder Woman." She also portrayed Hilda Spellman in Netflix's "Chilling Adventures of Sabrina."
