ST. LOUIS – Jenna Fischer, the beloved St. Louis-raised actress well-known for her role as Pam on “The Office” TV sitcom, shared a deeply personal health update on Tuesday.
Fischer revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, though added that she is now cancer-free after treatment.
Fischer shared of her diagnosis in an emotional Instagram post in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
She learned that she was diagnosed with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer last December. A routine mammogram led to inconclusive results, which led to a breast ultrasound, and ultimately, her diagnosis.
Fischer bravely described her journey, explaining that she had a lumpectomy in January to remove a tumor, followed by 12 rounds of weekly chemotherapy and three weeks of radiation.
“I’m happy to say that I was recently re-screened, and the treatments worked. I am cancer free. I will continue to be treated and monitored to help me stay that way,” said Fischer.
Fischer says he treatment was “aggressive,” though credits her early diagnosis for saving her life, noting she had caught cancer before it could potentially spread to her lymph nodes and the rest of her body.
Fischer also opened up about the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy, explaining the she lost her hair and wore wigs and hats for a period of time. She says she is now ready to leave wigs behind.
Fischer hopes her story inspires others to take their health seriously. She encourages women to get an annual mammogram, even if they don’t suspect a cancer diagnosis.
“I’m serious, call your doctor right now,” said Fischer. “My tumor was so small it could not be felt on a physical exam. If I had waited six months longer, things could have been much worse.”
Fischer expressed deep gratitude for her husband, children and close friend and “The Office” co-star Angela Kinsey for their strong support throughout her battle. Fischer’s Instagram post was met with many kind and supportive remarks, including from St. Louis-raised “Office” actress Ellie Kemper.
