Lucy Davis has shared the “really tiny” symptom she almost “didn’t get checked out” ahead of her stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. The Office star, 53, confirmed she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer a year and a half ago and had initially chosen to keep the news private, going public on August 11. Now though, the cancer has metastasised to her bones - “specifically” to her “spine, right hip and ribs”.
The Symptom She Almost Ignored
Lucy, from Solihull, West Midlands, said “the cancer is incurable” and it’s “too late” for chemotherapy. One of the most famous symptoms of breast cancer is feeling a “lump” in the tissue of the breast, armpit, or surrounding areas - but this wasn’t Lucy’s exact experience.
In a statement shared on Instagram, she explained: “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 implored people to be vigilant when it comes to their health and added: “So I guess I’m saying don’t ignore anything - get everything checked out.”
Recognising Breast Cancer Symptoms
The NHS states symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
- a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- a change in size or shape of one or both breasts
- nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
It also notes you may “get pain in your breast or armpit with these symptoms” though these symptoms can still be present without any pain. It adds: “Breast pain by itself is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.”
It’s also important to note anyone can get breast cancer, not just women.
Living with Stage 4 Cancer
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina actress says she’s “trying to live out whatever might be left of [her] life in as fun a way as [she] possibly can”.
She’s dealing with a lot of pain and said it “can really be something else”. Lucy explained: “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!”
She continued: “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.”
Despite her cancer having no cure, she’s “not scared of whatever comes next” and is “at peace with it”.
She said: “Any and all grieving is for my family; it’s far harder for them than for me.”
In the meantime, Lucy will continue her work for animal rights, which is “so important” to her, and she’d like to continue acting as it’s “one of the biggest joys in my life”.
Concluding her statement, she added: “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.”
