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Cancer

Kara Tointon Shares Brave Decision to Undergo Double Mastectomy Due to BRCA1 Gene

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Actress and former EastEnders star Kara Tointon has gained an outpouring of support after revealing her choice to undergo a double mastectomy following a genetic test that showed she possessed the BRCA1 gene. Tointon, 41, shared her story on Instagram, explaining that she was informed about the genetic test after her mother's diagnosis with ovarian cancer. Tointon's mother passed away in 2019.

In 2018, Tointon underwent a genetic test, which confirmed that she and her mother both carried the BRCA1 gene. Following the diagnosis, Tointon was offered various support and guidance by the NHS to make informed decisions about her health. At 39 years old, Tointon decided to undergo the double mastectomy and a two-part protector study trial to reduce her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The charity The Eve Appeal, of which Tointon is an ambassador, supported her journey.

Tointon's decision to share her story publicly has led to an influx of messages of support from friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry, including Giovanna Fletcher, Jo Joyner, and Kate Thornton.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kara Tointon, 41, has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene, which increases her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Her mother, Carol, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and passed away in 2019.
  • The NHS advised Tointon to take a genetics test after her mother's diagnosis, which confirmed the presence of the BRCA1 gene in both Tointon and her mother.
  • Tointon, who is an ambassador for The Eve Appeal charity, underwent the preventative surgeries in 2022, after becoming pregnant in 2019 and giving birth to twin boys.
  • A BRCA1 gene variant does not guarantee cancer diagnosis, but those who carry it are at a higher risk.
  • Tointon's decision to undergo surgery has reduced her risk of developing breast cancer to less than 5 percent and reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer by up to 50 percent when the ovaries are removed.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 1 in 1,000 women in the UK carry a BRCA1 gene variant.
  • Tointon's decision to have her ovaries removed reduces her risk of ovarian cancer by up to 50 percent.
  • Those who undergo a double mastectomy to remove both breasts reduce their risk of developing breast cancer to less than 5 percent.

Sources:

  • "Byline: Greg Evans"
  • [1] The Eve Appeal
  • [2] NHS
  • [3] PA Wire
  • [4] Instagram/@kara_tointon

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