Actress Lucy Davis, beloved for her breakout role as the receptionist Dawn Tinsley on the original U.K. version of The Office, has shared that she’s living with “incurable” stage 4 breast cancer. 

In an Aug. 11 Instagram video, the 53-year-old rings a hospital bell to mark the end of her treatment. She’s smiling and appears genuinely happy in the clip, even while facing such devastating news. 

“A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, which has metastasized to my bones,” she wrote. Specifically to my spine, right hip, and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.”

The Tiny Symptom She Almost Ignored 

When looking back at how she discovered her illness, Davis explained that her first symptom didn’t feel like a typical lump. 

“The initial lump that I felt wasn’t a ‘lump’ as such; rather, a kind of hard spot. Really tiny,” she wrote. “I almost didn’t bother getting it checked.”

Davis also shared a word of caution with fans to be their own advocate and to trust their gut when it comes to their health. 

“So, I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything — get everything checked out.”

Although self-exams shouldn’t replace regular screening tests like mammograms, it’s still a good idea to be familiar with how your body normally looks and feels so you can report any changes to a doctor right away. However, since routine mammograms can often detect cancer years before any physical symptoms develop, staying on top of scheduled screenings is the most reliable way to catch it early. 

The American Cancer Society (ACS) advises that “average risk” women between 40 and 44 have the option to begin yearly screening mammograms, while women 45 to 54 should get them annually. Women 55 and older can then choose to switch to every other year or continue with yearly exams. 

Finding Comfort in Humor and Normalcy 

Davis said she’s made a conscious effort to keep humor at the forefront of her health journey. 

“I asked my friends and family to make fun of me as much as possible (which they’re really good at🙄), and most importantly of all to not treat me like a sick person,” she wrote. “There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell.”

Even so, she admitted that managing the bone pain can be difficult and that standing or walking for long periods sometimes requires her to use a wheelchair. True to her comedic spirit, she invited anyone who sees her in public to “feel free to give me a push!”

Looking Forward With Peace 

Despite the realities of her condition, Davis said she’s “at peace” with it. 

“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 shared. “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 reassured fans that she isn’t scared about the future and views leaving her physical body as “going home,” where she will reunite with her late dog, Gracie. 

Supported by widespread love from fans and co-stars, including The Office creators and cast, Davis plans to continue her advocacy for animal rights and keep acting whenever possible. 

“I still would like to keep working,” she wrote. “I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.”