UK ‘The Office’ Star Lucy Davis Reveals ‘Incurable’ Stage 4 Breast Cancer Diagnosis

After receiving the diagnosis over a year ago, the actress said the cancer metastasized to her bones.

Lucy Davis speaks onstage at the Netflix & Chills panel during New York Comic Con 2018 at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on Oct. 5, 2018. Noam Galai/Getty Images for New York Comic Con

Actress Lucy Davis, best known for her role in the original British version of “The Office,” revealed she has been diagnosed with incurable stage 4 breast cancer.

Taking to social media on Tuesday, the 53-year-old said she was diagnosed about 18 months ago and that the cancer had spread to her bones, including her spine, right hip, and ribs.

“The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo,” she wrote on Instagram. “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,” she continued. “So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything - get everything checked out.”

Davis emphasized that she does not want to be defined by her illness and has approached her diagnosis as a learning experience, expressing gratitude rather than sorrow.

“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. “I always like to find the teachable moments in anything negative that happens. And cancer has not disappointed in that regard.”

She went on to speak about dealing with significant pain, trouble standing or walking for long periods of time and the occasional need to use a wheelchair. However, she remains determined to continue finding happiness in her life.

“The thing that has been most vital to me is humor,” she told followers. “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. There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell.”

Davis rose to fame playing Dawn Tinsley on the BBC comedic sitcom “The Office,” co-created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, which ran from 2001 to 2003.

Other popular credits include the Netflix series “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” “Shaun of the Dead,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.”

Beyond acting, Davis has been involved in animal-rights advocacy, an area she has indicated she intends to continue supporting. She has also made clear that she hopes to keep working as an actress for as long as her health allows.

“For those of you on a similar journey to mine, I do wish you well,” she concluded. “Cancer asks a lot from us, physically and mentally. And we all get to do it however we choose. Much love to you all.”