The Office actress Lucy Davis said she has been diagnosed with “incurable” stage four breast cancer.
The 53-year-old, best known for her role as Dawn Tinsley in the original UK version of the hit BBC series, said in a post shared on Tuesday she was diagnosed a year and a half ago.
Ms Davis said the breast cancer has spread to her bones, including her spine, right hip, and ribs.
She said: "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 said it is “too late” for chemotherapy.
The actress is the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott.
She said: "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.
"As some of you will know, the pain can really be something else.
"Standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes (so if you see me toddling around in one, feel free to give me a push!)."
Humour, she said, has played an important role in helping her cope with her diagnosis.
She said: "There's nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you're unwell.
"I'm not scared of whatever comes next.
"I'm at peace with it.
"I'll see my Gracie sooner than expected, and for me, leaving my physical body just means going home.
"Any and all grieving is for my family; it's far harder for them than for me."
According to Cancer Research UK, stage four breast cancer is not curable, but treatment can control it for some years.
The actress, who has also appeared in Shaun Of The Dead and played Hayley Jordan on BBC Radio 4's The Archers, said she hopes to continue working for animal rights and would like to keep acting as long as she is able.
She said: "For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well.
"Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally.
"And we all get to do it however we choose."
Ms Davis rose to fame playing Dawn Tinsley in The Office, which aired from 2001 to 2003 and followed the daily lives of workers at Wernham Hogg, a paper company based in Slough.
Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the series starred Gervais as David Brent and Martin Freeman as Tim Canterbury, with whom Dawn shared a slow-burning romance that became central to the show’s storyline.
The US version of The Office starred Jenna Fischer as Pam Beesly, the American counterpart to Ms Davis’s character.
Ms Fischer commented on Ms Davis’s announcement, saying: "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!"
In 2024, Ms Fischer revealed she had been diagnosed with stage one triple positive breast cancer a year earlier.
She has since completed surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation and announced she is now "cancer-free."
Fans and fellow actors continue to share messages of support online.
The Office remains one of the most influential British comedies and has been widely praised for its mockumentary style and realistic depiction of everyday life.
It also starred Mackenzie Crook as Gareth Keenan and featured appearances from actors including Sally Bretton, Ralph Ineson and Joel Beckett.
Ms Davis’s other notable work includes a role in the 2004 comedy Shaun Of The Dead alongside Simon Pegg, and nearly a decade as Hayley Jordan on The Archers.
She ended her social media post with a video of herself ringing a bell at a cancer treatment centre.
In the video, she recites the bell-ringing poem: "Ring this bell three times well.
"It’s a toll to clearly say my treatments are done, the course is run, and I am on my way."
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