Actress Lucy Davis, known for her role as Dawn in The Office, has revealed that a "really tiny" hard spot she nearly didn't get checked out led to her stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. The 53-year-old, originally from Solihull, West Midlands, confirmed the diagnosis in a public statement on August 11, after keeping the news private for a year and a half.
Diagnosis and Spread
Davis, who also starred in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, said the cancer has spread to her bones, "specifically" to her "spine, right hip and ribs." She described the cancer as "incurable" and noted that it is "too late" for chemotherapy.
In an Instagram statement, she explained that the initial symptom was not a typical lump but "a kind of hard spot. Really tiny. I almost didn't bother getting it checked." She urged others to "not ignore anything - get everything checked out."
Living with Cancer
Since her diagnosis, Davis, who rose to fame in the mockumentary The Office, said she is "trying to live out whatever might be left of [her] life in as fun a way as [she] possibly can." She manages considerable pain, noting that "standing and walking for too long a time can be hard, and I need to use a wheelchair sometimes."
She emphasized the importance of humour, saying, "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." She added, "There's nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you're unwell."
Outlook and Advocacy
Despite the incurable nature of her cancer, Davis said she is "not scared of whatever comes next" and is "at peace with it." She noted, "Any and all grieving is for my family; it's far harder for them than for me."
She plans to continue her animal rights work, which she considers "so important," and hopes to keep acting, as it remains "one of the biggest joys in my life." In closing her statement, 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. Much love to you all."
Breast Cancer Symptoms
The NHS lists symptoms of breast cancer in women, including a lump or swelling in the breast, chest, or armpit; changes in skin texture such as dimpling or redness; changes in size or shape of one or both breasts; nipple discharge not related to pregnancy or breastfeeding; and changes in nipple shape or appearance, such as inversion or a rash. It notes that pain may accompany these symptoms but is not always present, and breast pain alone is not usually a symptom of breast cancer. The NHS also highlights that breast cancer can affect anyone, not just women.
