The Office actress Lucy Davis has revealed she was diagnosed with incurable stage four breast cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from fellow stars on Tuesday.
The 53-year-old actress shared on Instagram that she does not know how long she has left after learning the cancer has metastasized to her bones, specifically her spine, right hip, and ribs. She explained that she was diagnosed a year and a half ago and it is now too late for chemotherapy.
Davis disclosed that she first felt a tiny, hard spot in her breast a year and a half ago and almost did not get it checked. "So I guess I'm saying don't ignore anything - get everything checked out," she wrote.
The Office US star Jenna Fischer was among the stars to share an outpouring of support for Lucy Davis, after she shared her terminal cancer diagnosis (pictured in 2005)
The Office star, 53, shared on Tuesday that she'd been diagnosed with incurable stage four breast cancer, and she 'doesn't know how long she has left'
Tributes From Co-Stars and Celebrities
Following her announcement, numerous stars offered messages of support in the comments. Jenna Fischer, who played an alternative version of Davis's character in the US version of The Office from 2005 to 2014, shared her support. Fischer was previously diagnosed with Stage 1 Triple Positive breast cancer in 2024, which was removed before it could spread. Fischer wrote: "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!"
Amanda Abbington, who starred alongside Davis in the 2010 series Married Single Other and was previously in a relationship with Davis's The Office co-star Martin Freeman, commented: "Sending you the biggest cuddle and all my love, love, love, love, love. You are and have always been an incredible f*****ng woman. I adore you. What larks we had when we worked together. Here if you need anything. Even if it’s just a catch up. Beautiful f*****ng woman. xxxxxxxxxx."
Piers Morgan wrote: "Lucy, this is such devastating news. I’m so sorry. Your courage in talking about this so honestly says everything about you. Sending you and your family all my love and support."
Ulrika posted: "Heartbreaking to read but beautifully written and articulate. Wishing you so much love and laughter. We’re all just walking each other home." Gavin and Stacey star Laura Aikman added: "Lucy What a wise & funny f***er you are. Forever admiring you from afar. Hope you’re receiving all of this love coming your way xxx."
Jenna, who played an alternative version of Lucy's character in The Office's US version, shared a sweet message for the actress in the comments
After announcing the news in an Instagram post, many stars offered their own heartfelt messages for Lucy in the comments
Message on Living With Terminal Cancer
Davis shared her diagnosis alongside a video showing her ringing the cancer treatment bell. In her post, she stated that despite the cancer being declared incurable, she is "at peace with whatever comes next."
"Hi friends:) I wanted to share something with you all that I've kept to myself for a while but for various reasons would like to share now," Davis wrote. "A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasised to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo. The initial lump that I felt, wasn't a 'lump' as such; rather a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn't bother getting it checked. So I guess I'm saying don't ignore anything - get everything checked out."
"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," Davis continued. "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."
Addressing the physical impact of her illness, Davis noted: "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!)"
Emphasizing the importance of humor, Davis asked friends and family to make fun of her as much as possible and not treat her as sick. "There's nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you're unwell," she wrote. She added that leaving her physical body means "going home" and that she will see her dog Gracie, who died in 2024, sooner than expected, noting that any grieving is far harder for her family than for her.
Davis confirmed she will continue her work for animal rights and plans to keep acting, describing acting as one of the biggest joys in her life. Offering encouragement to others on a similar journey, she wrote: "Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose. Much love to you all."
Statement From Breast Cancer Now
Following the announcement, Sally Kum of charity Breast Cancer Now released a statement offering support to Davis, her family, and loved ones. Kum stated that Davis's openness will resonate with thousands of people living with metastatic breast cancer across the UK.
"While advances in breast cancer treatment mean that more people are living longer with the disease, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable, and Breast Cancer Now is committed to changing that so by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives and lives well," Kum wrote. She urged greater investment in research, kinder treatments, and access to life-extending drugs such as Enhertu.
Kum added that anyone affected by breast cancer or seeking support can contact Breast Cancer Now's expert nurses by calling the charity's free helpline on 0808 800 6000, or via its forum and email.
Acting Career and Family Background
Davis made a name for herself playing Dawn Tinsley in Ricky Gervais's BBC comedy series The Office. She went on to appear as Hilda Spellman in The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, played Etta Candy in the 2017 DC film Wonder Woman, and filmed the US comedy series Amy from Amarillo.
She is the daughter of British comedian Jasper Carrott, who hosted the ITV game show Golden Balls.
Health Battles and Eating Disorder Struggles
Davis has previously dealt with serious health issues. In 1997, she had a kidney transplant using an organ donated by her mother, Hazel. As a diabetic, Davis required hospital treatment for kidney failure in 2005 before making a full recovery.
She has also spoken openly about her experience with bulimia, which was at its worst when she was going through a divorce in 2011. Davis was married to Welsh actor Owain Yeoman from December 2006 until their divorce in October 2011. They did not have children together. She recalled reading at the time of their split that Yeoman was good-looking and she was not, so he deserved better.
In a 2017 interview with The Telegraph, Davis explained that after years of living with an eating disorder, she realized "whatever your body's meant to be, it will figure itself out... it's been a journey." She noted that in her 30s she would diet for a week and then consume a week's worth of food in a single day.
Her cycle of bingeing and purging peaked around 2011 as her marriage ended, leading her to enroll in Overeaters Anonymous. "I came to realise that all eating disorders aren't essentially about what you look like. They're about something much more fundamental. Like any addiction, I suppose," Davis said, adding that throwing up and starving was her solution to underlying problems. Speaking about relationships, she noted: "How could I not want to fall in love again? That will happen one day. But right now, I'm just so happy. I've got my dog Gracie after all."
For help or information regarding eating disorders, Beat can be reached on 0808 801 0677.
