British actor Lucy Davis, best known for playing Dawn Tinsley in the original UK version of The Office, has revealed that she has incurable stage 4 breast cancer.

The 53-year-old actor said she was diagnosed around a year and a half ago and that the cancer has since spread to her bones, including her spine, right hip and ribs. She said it was too late for chemotherapy.

In a post on Instagram on Tuesday, Davis said she was focusing on making the most of the time she has left.

“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.

“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!).”

Davis, the daughter of comedian Jasper Carrott, said humour had been one of the most important things helping her cope with the illness. She urged friends and family to continue joking with her rather than treating her as a “sick person”.

“There’s nothing that will make you feel more unwell than being treated as if you’re unwell,” she added.

Davis also said she was not afraid of what would come next and had made peace with her situation.

“I’m not scared of whatever comes next. I’m at peace with it. I’ll see my Gracie [her late dog] 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 became widely known for her role as receptionist Dawn Tinsley in the original British version of The Office. The BBC comedy, set at the fictional Slough paper merchant Wernham Hogg, starred co-creator Ricky Gervais as manager David Brent.

Beyond The Office, Davis played Hayley Jordan on BBC Radio 4's The Archers for nearly a decade. Her other credits include the 2004 comedy Shaun of the Dead, starring Simon Pegg, and Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

Stage 4 breast cancer?

Stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, is cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. It can commonly affect the bones, liver, lungs or brain. While it is generally not considered curable, treatments can often help control the disease, ease symptoms and improve quality of life. The outlook varies widely depending on factors including where the cancer has spread, its biology and how it responds to treatment.

Stage 4 breast cancer is diagnosed when breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs or brain. Doctors may use imaging scans, blood tests and a biopsy to determine whether the cancer has spread and identify its type.