The Office star Lucy Davis announces incurable cancer diagnosis in heartbreaking statement

The Office star Lucy Davis has announced her incurable cancer diagnosis in a heartbreaking statement.

The 53-year-old actress, best known for playing Dawn Tinsley in the hit BBC sitcom, has revealed she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer a year and a half ago.

Taking to Instagram earlier today (11 August), Davis wrote: "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.

"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."

She continued: "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. 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."

The statement continued: "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!).

"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), 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."

Rounding off, the Shaun of the Dead star shared: "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.

"I’m still going to keep up all my work for animal rights. It’s so important to me and I still would like to keep working. I’m perfectly able to do so, and acting is one of the biggest joys in my life.

Davis finished her message by sending love to others facing cancer.

"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. Much love to you all."

Alongside The Office, Davis is best known for her roles in Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, in which she plays Sabrina's aunt Hilda; Wonder Woman, in which she plays Steve Trevor's secretary Etta Candy; and Dianne in Shaun of the Dead.

In 1993 she was diagnosed with kidney failure. Her mother donated a kidney and she underwent a transplant in 1997.

She told the Solihull Observer that she was given eight years to live at the time, and the medication she was forced to take resulted in her being diagnosed with diabetes.

She told Diabetes UK: "Many things come along in everyone's lives to test us. What makes us stand out from the crowd is how we deal with them.

"Be vigilant about your health and your medications. Don't let yourself view it as a chore. Then go out and live your life, and grasp your dreams with both hands."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.