Jenna Fischer Announces She Is Cancer-Free

Jenna Fischer, known for her role as Pam in the hit U.S. series The Office, shocked fans and followers with an Instagram post published this week.

The actress, who has 3.9 million followers, made an announcement in several slides on her social media account, recounting the long and trying year she’s had— one that fans had no idea about.

In October 2023, she shared a photo of her getting ready for a routine mammogram

She joked around that she was making a “Michael Scott” joke about taking care of her ticking time bags. Then, she shared that she received unsettling results from her routine testing.

After there were inconclusive results due to dense breast tissue, her doctors ordered a breast ultrasound to see what was going on.

Unfortunately, the news was not what she had hoped for

Embed from Getty Images

In December 2023, Fischer said she was diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive Breast Cancer. According to research, triple-positive breast cancer means that the breast cancer cells use three different things to grow — estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and the human epidermal growth factor 2 protein. 

However, triple-positive breast cancer is more receptive to treatment

Despite the terrifying name, medical experts argue that triple-positive breast cancer responds better to treatment due to the third hormone receptor. However, it is also a more aggressive form of cancer, as well.

The actress revealed in January that she had surgery to remove the tumor

“Luckily my cancer was caught early and it hadn’t spread to my lymph nodes or throughout the rest of my body, however, because of the aggressive nature of triple positive breast cancer it sill required chemotherapy and radiation to be sure it didn’t return,” she wrote on Instagram.

In February, Fischer said she began 12 rounds of weekly chemotherapy and in June, she began radiation.

She also shared she “lost her hair” during her chemotherapy treatments

“But thanks to some great wigs and hats with hair (which my family affectionately called Wigats) I have been able to wait until now to reveal all that has been going on for me,” she wrote.

She also revealed that she decided to share this news with followers and fans now because she’s ready to “ditch the wigs.” And also for a more important reason.

Fischer urges all women to go for their annual tests

She hopes sharing her story can encourage women to get annual mammograms. She claims that seeing other women getting their tests done on social media pushed her to get her own, which she admitted she was “late for.”

She also urged women to ask their doctors to calculate their Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score and get additional screenings.

Her tumor was so small that it couldn’t be felt on a physical exam

Fischer shared that if she had waited “six months more,” things could have been far worse for her and her diagnosis.

However, after finding her cancer early and undergoing treatments — Fischer shared she is now “cancer-free” after going back to her doctor and getting re-scanned.

In her post, she thanks her “village” for all of their help

Cancer, she said, can be incredibly hard on families. She did not understand generosity and kindness until this happened to her. Those who shared their stories with her, helped support her, and could coach her along her journey were strangers who became sisters.

She claims that even the small things mean a lot to her. Small gestures such as texting when she was receiving chemo, going for a walk with her, or helping pick up her kids — she won’t forget them.

One person she thanked immensely was another well-known actress from The Office

Embed from Getty Images

Angela Kinsley, also known as Angela on The Office, was a rock for Fischer during this time. She advocated for her and fought for her; she was the only person in her workspace who knew about Fischer’s diagnosis.

When Fischer lost her hair, Kinsley wore hats so that it wouldn’t be weird when she wore one. When she needed a break, everyone took a break. It was the support and patience she needed to continue working and keep her happiness in her career alive.

Now cancer-free, she was able to celebrate with her family

Fellow actors and actresses commented on Fischer’s post, sharing their love and admiration for her. “We love you! You’re amazing,” wrote John Krasinski, who played Fischer’s husband Jim on The Office.

Other cast members from the show also expressed admiration, such as Ed Helms, who wrote, “I love you so much, Jenna!!! You’re an inspiration to so many.”

Sharing her journey inspired others, too.

“I’m starting my chemo journey next week and have a long drive to the hospital. My husband and I are looking forward to listening to Office Ladies on the drive. Glad you’re doing well now,” commented one follower and fan.

Fischer shared that her husband, Lee, asked how she wanted to celebrate finishing all of her treatments. Fischer said she wanted to find the bell, with confetti, in her backyard with her kids. And, beautifully, Fischer was able to do just that.