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Cancer

Former EastEnders Actress Kara Tointon Shares Double Mastectomy Decision After BRCA Gene Discovery

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Former EastEnders actress Kara Tointon has revealed she underwent a double mastectomy following a gene test that revealed she carried the BRCA gene, which puts her at a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The 41-year-old actress, who also appeared in dramas such as The Teacher and Mr Selfridge, has partnered with the Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity, to raise awareness about preventative measures. Tointon shared her story in an Instagram video, explaining that she was diagnosed with the BRCA gene after her mother's ovarian cancer diagnosis in 2018.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kara Tointon, a 41-year-old actress, underwent a double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA gene, which puts her at a high risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Tointon's mother, Carol, underwent treatment for ovarian cancer in 2018, prompting the actress to take a genetic test, which revealed she carried the BRCA gene.
  • The actress had two preventative surgeries, a double mastectomy and a two-part protector study, a trial to remove fallopian tubes and ovaries, due to her family's history of cancer.
  • Tointon is an ambassador for the Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity, and has partnered with them to raise awareness about preventative measures.
  • The BRCA gene mutation affects around 1 in 1,000 women in the UK, but most breast and ovarian cancers occur due to chance damage to genes, not genetic mutations.
  • Tointon's sister, Hannah, is also an actress and has appeared in Channel 4 shows including Hollyoaks and The Inbetweeners.
  • The actress has been open about her family's generational trauma, which contributed to their history of cancer.
  • Tointon' s decision to undergo surgery was not easy, but she is glad she made it, and she now feels empowered to talk about her experience.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 1,000 women in the UK have a BRCA1 variant (Source: Genetic Disorders UK)
  • 85% of breast cancer cases occur due to chance damage to genes, not genetic mutations (Source: Cancer Research UK)
  • 10% of ovarian cancer cases occur due to BRCA1/2 gene mutations (Source: Ovarian Cancer Action)
  • Over 11,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the UK each year (Source: Ovarian Cancer Action)

Sources:

  • "Former EastEnders star Kara Tointon reveals she had double mastectomy after BRCA gene diagnosis" (The Sun, no date provided)
  • "Kara Tointon shares emotional Instagram video about her decision to have double mastectomy after BRCA gene diagnosis" (Mirror, no date provided)
  • Genetic Disorders UK (no date provided)
  • Cancer Research UK (no date provided)
  • Ovarian Cancer Action (no date provided)

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