Just over a week after Jenna Fischer shared her breast cancer diagnosis, the former “The Office” star is reflecting on her journey, treatment, and the change in her outlook on life.
On October 8, Fischer, 50, disclosed on Instagram that she was diagnosed with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer in December 2023, coinciding with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she is now cancer-free.
In an interview with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb, which aired on October 21, Fischer expressed her desire that by sharing her experience, she might provide comfort and encouragement to other women facing a similar diagnosis.
Fischer recounted her experience starting in October 2023, when she finally attended a routine mammogram appointment she had delayed. “Three weeks later, they said, ‘Oh, your mammogram was fine. There were a few spots that were difficult to see. You have very dense tissue. We would recommend that you do another mammogram and maybe follow up with a breast ultrasound,’” she remembered of her discussion with her doctor.
Initially unconcerned, Fischer later felt a shift when she was advised to undergo a biopsy due to a “10% chance it’s cancerous.” While hiking alone, she checked her patient portal and discovered she had cancer. “I saw words like ‘invasive,’ ‘ductal,’ ‘carcinoma,’ ‘malignant,’ . . . and I thought, ‘Those words sound like cancer words,’” she said.
After breaking the news to her husband, Lee Kirk, Fischer felt “disbelief” when her doctor confirmed the diagnosis. “I think the word that really got me was when we found out that I was triple-positive and my oncologist said chemotherapy. That was when I really lost it,” she shared.
Fischer discussed the challenges of chemotherapy, particularly the loss of hair, which she initially found concerning. She humorously described her experience with styling her hair as it thinned out. Although she contemplated shaving her head, she chose to wear hats and wigs instead.
When it came to informing friends and family, one of the first calls she made was to fellow actor Christina Applegate. The conversation was candid, as Applegate had a sense that Fischer’s diagnosis would involve breast cancer. Applegate assisted Fischer by connecting her with other breast cancer survivors.
Fischer and her husband decided to be transparent with their children, Weston Lee, 13, and Harper Marie, 10, ensuring they understood the situation. “The biggest thing that I wanted them to know was that any ways that I seemed sick during this process were side effects of treatments. They weren’t cancer making me sick,” she explained.
Having undergone a lumpectomy in addition to chemotherapy and radiation, Fischer reported that she is now cancer-free, although she continues to take medication for the next year. She emphasized the importance of maintaining humor, routine, and physical activity throughout her treatment.
One key piece of advice she received was to keep living life while listening to her body. “Some days I just walked circles in my own living room. Some days I walked all around the block. . . . And I think it made a really big difference,” she said.
Reflecting on the past year, Fischer expressed gratitude for the support she received from friends and family, noting how different acts of kindness made an impact during her recovery. She highlighted that her outlook on life has shifted to one of appreciation, finding joy in everyday experiences.
Fischer concluded her story with an important message to all women: “Please don’t skip your mammogram appointment. Please get all the extra screenings that the doctor wants you to get.” She acknowledged that early detection played a critical role in her successful treatment, urging others not to overlook their health.