**Kara Tointon Reveals Preventive Double Mastectomy After Discovering High Cancer Risk**
Former EastEnders favourite Kara Tointon has bravely shared that she underwent a double mastectomy after learning she carries the BRCA gene mutation, which dramatically increases the likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancer. The 41-year-old actress, well known for both her soap roles and her triumphant appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of genetic testing and preventative healthcare.
Tointon, who starred as Dawn Swann on EastEnders and has also had prominent roles in dramas such as *The Teacher* and *Mr Selfridge*, disclosed her decision via a heartfelt Instagram video. In her message, she explained she became aware of her heightened cancer risk after her mother, Carol, received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2018. Concerned for her own future, Tointon chose to undergo genetic testing, which confirmed that both she and her mother carry the BRCA gene mutation.
“The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as some may know, significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers in carriers,” Tointon explained. “I’d not known about it fully until my mum’s illness. There’s a family history, but, due to various reasons including generational trauma, we hadn’t pursued testing until then.” She disclosed that her mother sadly passed away in 2019, not long after their diagnosis.
Tointon is now an ambassador for the Eve Appeal, a charity focused on gynaecological cancers, and she aims to highlight the difficult choices that come with genetic predisposition. She described how her own experience, coupled with her desire to safeguard her family’s future, guided her through numerous NHS meetings to understand the preventative options available. Pregnant with her first child during the time of her mother’s illness, she carefully considered her medical decisions alongside her plans for a family.
After giving birth to her second son in 2021 with partner Marius Jensen, Tointon decided the time was right to undertake two significant surgeries. The first was a preventative double mastectomy, followed by enrolment in a two-part clinical trial that focuses on the links between ovarian cancer and the fallopian tubes. Recent medical thinking suggests that many ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes, prompting some experts to advocate for their early removal in high-risk patients, delaying ovary removal until nearer the menopause.
While some individuals choose close monitoring and regular checks, Tointon concluded that the anxiety and uncertainty caused by frequent scans and biopsies had become too much for her. “For many, keeping a vigilant eye with regular MRIs and follow-ups works perfectly well,” she said. “But for me, after living with that worry and waiting for test results, I knew surgery was the right path.”
She acknowledged the decision was not an easy one, but insists she feels fortunate to have been able to take action before developing cancer. Tointon said she now feels able to discuss her journey openly and with the benefit of hindsight—a perspective she hopes might help others facing similar choices.
The actress’s announcement draws attention to the impact of hereditary cancer genes, echoing the high-profile decision made by Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie, who also underwent a preventive double mastectomy after learning she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation.
Whilst BRCA mutations remain rare—affecting roughly one in 1,000 women in the UK—the awareness around genetic testing and proactive management has grown significantly in recent years. Nevertheless, the majority of breast and ovarian cancers still arise from spontaneous gene mutations rather than inherited factors.
Kara Tointon continues to maintain a busy career and family life, with two young sons and her partner, chiropractor and tech entrepreneur Marius Jensen. Her sister, Hannah Tointon, is also active in acting, having appeared in *Hollyoaks* and the popular comedy *The Inbetweeners*.
Through her advocacy and willingness to share such a personal story, Tointon is providing support and encouragement to countless women who may be facing the daunting prospect of genetic testing and preventative surgery. Her openness reflects a growing movement towards greater dialogue and understanding around inherited cancer risks in the UK and beyond.