A little over a week after Jenna Fischer disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis, the actor, known for her role in “The Office,” has discussed her treatment journey and changes in her perspective.
Fischer, 50, marked National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with an Instagram post on October 8, revealing that she was diagnosed with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer in December 2023. Following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she announced she is now cancer-free.
In an interview with Hoda Kotb on TODAY that aired on October 21, Fischer expressed her hope that sharing her experience would provide comfort and hope to other women facing breast cancer.
Regarding her diagnosis, Fischer recounted how she initially put off her routine mammogram in October 2023. After a follow-up mammogram and a breast ultrasound revealed potential issues, she was advised to undergo a biopsy.
Upon receiving her results while hiking, Fischer recalled discovering unsettling terms like “invasive” and “malignant” on her patient portal, which led to a call to her husband, Lee Kirk. When her doctor later confirmed the diagnosis, she felt an overwhelming sense of disbelief, particularly when learning she would need chemotherapy.
During her treatment, Fischer discussed the emotional toll of losing her hair and the impact of chemotherapy on her sense of self. She humorously described how she managed her hair loss before ultimately choosing hats and wigs.
Fischer reached out to friends and family, including Christina Applegate, who connected her with other survivors for support. She and her husband opted to be candid with their two children, Weston Lee, 13, and Harper Marie, 10, helping them understand that any symptoms their mother experienced were due to treatment, not cancer.
Fischer’s treatment included chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and radiation, and she is now cancer-free but continues to take medication for the next year. She highlighted the importance of humor and normalcy throughout her experience, crediting her oncology nurse for encouraging her to maintain daily activity and hydration.
Reflecting on the past year, Fischer expressed gratitude for the support she received, noting that many found ways to help her and her family during her treatment. This experience has shifted her perspective, making her more appreciative of everyday moments and interactions.
She concluded by urging other women not to skip their mammogram appointments, stressing that her early diagnosis played a crucial role in her recovery. Fischer emphasized that a routine mammogram allowed for the detection of her cancer at an early stage, which significantly improved her treatment outcome.