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Genetic research

Actress Kara Tointon Reveals Double Mastectomy After Learning She Carries BRCA Gene

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Kara Tointon, a former Strictly Come Dancing winner and actress, has shared her personal story of undergoing a double mastectomy after discovering she carries the BRCA gene. The 41-year-old actress, known for her roles in EastEnders and The Teacher, revealed that she had a history of cancer in her family on her mother's side and underwent genetic testing, which confirmed that she and her mother both carried the gene. Following the test, Tointon had two preventative surgeries, a double mastectomy, and a two-part protector study, a trial, to reduce her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kara Tointon, a 41-year-old actress, revealed she had a double mastectomy after discovering she carries the BRCA gene, which increases her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Tointon's family has a history of cancer on her mother's side, and she underwent genetic testing, which confirmed that she and her mother both carry the BRCA gene.
  • Tointon had two preventative surgeries: a double mastectomy and a two-part protector study, a trial, to reduce her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
  • The actress shared her story to raise awareness about the importance of genetic testing and preventative measures for women with a high risk of cancer.
  • Tointon's story is similar to that of Angelina Jolie, who underwent a double mastectomy in 2013 after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene.
  • Around one in 1,000 women across the UK have a BRCA1 variant, but most breast and ovarian cancers happen due to chance damage to genes.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 1,000 women across the UK have a BRCA1 variant.
  • Tointon had a history of cancer on her family's side, specifically ovarian cancer in her mother's family.
  • BRCA genes 1 and 2 increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Tointon had two children during the time she was learning about her genetic risk and was pregnant with her second child in 2021.

Sources:

  • Kara Tointon's Instagram video post
  • Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity
  • Telegraph article "Kara Tointon reveals she had double mastectomy after learning she carried BRCA gene"
  • Previous play on EastEnders, The Teacher

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