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English actress and The Office star Lucy Davis revealed Tuesday she’s been receiving treatment for Stage 4 breast cancer for the past year and a half, and that the “incurable” disease has spread to her bones.
But Davis, 53, says she’s at peace and not afraid of what’s next.
“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 in an Instagram post.
“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.”
She said it is too late for chemotherapy and that the cancer had spread to her spine, right hip and ribs.
In a video on her Instagram post, Davis reads the poem Ringing Out by U.S. Navy officer Irve Le Moyne before ringing a bell, which is a tradition for cancer patients who have completed their treatment.
Born in Solihull, England, in 1973, Davis had her breakthrough role as receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the hit BBC comedy television series The Office (2001-03). Her character stood out for her cynical attitude to her dead-end job at fictional company Wernham Hogg. Tinsley was frequently a target of general manager David Brent (played by series co-creator Ricky Gervais), and was also at the centre of a love triangle between sales representative Tim Canterbury and warehouse worker Lee.
She also had starring roles in the 2004 zombie horror-comedy Shaun of the Dead and Wonder Woman (2017), among many other film and TV credits.
Humour is ‘vital’
Davis said she’s frequently in pain and occasionally has to use a wheelchair.
“So if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!” she said.
“The thing that has been most vital to me is humour. I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at).”
Davis is also an animal rights activist and a long-time supporter of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
She said she would continue her animal rights advocacy and would also like to keep working as an actress.
“I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life,” she said.
Actress encourages check-ups
Davis said the initial lump she felt was very small.
“I almost didn’t bother getting it checked. So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything — get everything checked out,” she said.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says one of eight (13 per cent) of females in Canada are expected to develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and that one in 36 (three per cent) will die of it. The agency reports that 30,500 females in Canada were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, and that it is the most common cancer among females after non-melanoma skin cancer.
Breast Cancer Canada, a charity focused on supporting breast cancer research, recommends annual mammograms from ages 50 to 74 to screen for the disease. The overwhelming majority of cases (83 per cent) occur after age 50, according to PHAC.
Love from fellow stars
Davis’s announcement prompted a wave of supportive comments.
“Beautiful post. Love you lots. And yes to working with cancer! Let’s spread that message far and wide! How working is such a comfort!” wrote actress Jenna Fischer, who played Pam Beesly on the American version of The Office.
“Love you Lucy. Always. See you very soon,” wrote filmmaker Edgar Wright, who worked with Davis on Shaun of the Dead.
Gervais replied simply with a heart.
