The Office star Lucy Davis almost ignored first symptom of 'incurable' breast cancer
Lucy Davis has revealed the first symptom of breast cancer she almost ignored prior to her diagnosis.
The 53-year-old, who starred as receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the UK version of The Office, said on Tuesday (11 August) that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer a year-and-a half ago.
Davis, the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, wrote on Instagram that the cancer had spread to her bones, ‘specifically to my spine, right hip and my ribs’.
“The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo,” the Birmingham actor, also known for her roles in Shaun of the Dead (2004) and Wonder Woman (2017), added.
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On the first symptom she noticed, Davis said: “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.”
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer happens when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control. These cells can form a lump or tumour and may spread to other parts of the body.
It mostly affects women, but men can get breast cancer too so finding it early can make it easier to treat.
According to Cancer Research UK, ‘most breast lumps are not cancer. Lumps that aren’t cancer are called lumps’.
The charity notes that most benign breast lumps are:
- Areas of normal lumpiness - these are usually more obvious just before a period
- Cysts - these are sacs of fluid in the breast tissue, which are quite common
- Fibroadenoma - this is a collection of fibrous glandular tissue which is more common in women younger than 40
“It is important to always get a breast lump checked by your GP. They will arrange for you to have tests to find out whether your lump is cancer or not,” Cancer Research UK added.
Breast cancer symptoms
- A new lump or thickening in the breast
- A lump or swelling in the armpit
- Change in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
- Redness, rash or an unexplained sore on the breast
- Skin that looks or feels like orange peel
- Unusual nipple discharge
- A nipple turning inward or changing position
- A rash, scaling or other change around the nipple
- Persistent or unusual breast pain
Most of these symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but any new or unusual breast change should be checked by a GP.
‘I’m not scared of whatever comes next’
“I’m at peace with it. I’ll see my Gracie [her beloved dog who died in 2024] 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,” Davis, who was was previously married to actor Owain Yeoman from 2006 until their divorce in 2011, wrote.
“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.”
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.
Topics: Celebrity, Health, Cancer, The Office
Anish Vij