EastEnders Star's Brave Choice: Double Mastectomy After Cancer Gene Discovery

Former EastEnders Star Kara Tointon Undergoes Double Mastectomy After BRCA Gene Test London, UK – May 29, 2025 – Actress Kara Tointon, known for her role in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, has revealed that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy. This decision followed a positive test result for the BRCA gene, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Tointon's mother sadly passed away from ovarian cancer, prompting her to take proactive steps to reduce her own risk. "Hearing other people's experiences helped so much," Tointon shared in a video posted to social media. "Knowledge is power, and I'll be talking about this a lot more." The video also features an interview with Professor Adam Rosenthal, a consultant gynaecologist, who explained the BRCA gene and its implications. "BRCA is a gene you inherit from your mother or father," he stated. "In some people, it's altered, preventing your DNA from repairing itself properly, leading to a high risk of certain cancers." Tointon's decision highlights the importance of genetic testing and proactive healthcare choices. Her openness about her experience is likely to encourage other women to seek testing and discuss their options with their healthcare providers. The video ends on a positive note, with Tointon emphasizing her support for charities raising awareness about breast cancer.