Lucy Davis, the actor known for her role as Dawn Tinsley in The Office, has revealed she is still hoping for a miracle treatment after announcing she has incurable cancer. She has begun replying to some of the thousands of messages of support she has received online, with several coming from other women living with cancer who offered words of hope and support.
Messages of support and hope
On Thursday night, Davis posted a thank you message, saying she was enjoying reading the messages. Among those she replied to was a fan named Jane Grant, who wrote: “I was diagnosed in December 2025 with breast cancer - stage 4 as like you it had already spread to my spine rib and pelvic bone- no chemo or surgery options and so am on immunotherapy drugs - hoping to survive for many years to come god willing. New treatments are being discovered all the time xx.”
Davis, 53, replied: “That's what I'm thinking. And so sorry you're dealing with this. Love to you.”
Sky News sports presenter Jacquie Beltrao also wrote: “Hi Lucy I don't know you you don't know me but I have been living with Stage 4 breast cancer for 6 years - still doing my thing - Sport On @skynews - if I can help you in any way at all give me a shout - lots of love and good thoughts.” Davis responded: “Blimey!! Good for you lady!! You're inspiring me!”
Sir Chris Hoy, who has terminal prostate cancer, also said this week: “Keep going Lucy.”
Davis's announcement
Davis announced earlier this week that she has incurable breast cancer. In a statement, she said: “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 metastasized [spread] to my bones. Specifically to my spine, right hip and my ribs. The cancer is incurable, and too late for chemo.”
She added: “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. I'm not scared of whatever comes next. I'm at peace with it. I'll see my [late dog] 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.”
In a second message updating fans, she said: “The last two days have been utterly overwhelming, in that I had ZERO idea my cancer post would have the attention it did. THANK YOU to everyone for the tremendous amount of kindness and support you sent me. Good grief it was emotional! I am trying to get through all the comments on my post.”
Background and career
Davis is the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott. She appeared as The Office receptionist Dawn Tinsley from 2001 to 2003. After The Office, she featured in the 2004 comedy-horror film Shaun of the Dead as Dianne, and played Etta Candy in 2017's Wonder Woman. More recently, she starred as Eva in the Disney Channel's action-comedy series The Villains of Valley View.
Cancer Research UK describes stage four breast cancer as cancer that starts in the breast tissue but spreads to other parts of the body, making it incurable. However, as people responding to Davis's social media post have said, treatment can control the cancer for some years.
