Kara Tointon’s Powerful Message: A Preventative Double Mastectomy
It’s not every day a beloved actress shares such deeply personal news, but Kara Tointon, the former EastEnders star and Strictly Come Dancing champion, has done just that. In a moving Instagram post and video, Tointon revealed she’s undergone a double mastectomy and had her fallopian tubes removed – a preventative measure taken after discovering she carries the BRCA1 gene.
The BRCA1 Gene and a Family History
Tointon’s decision stems from a family history of cancer and a 2018 genetic test. Her mother, Carol, sadly passed away from ovarian cancer in 2019, a loss that profoundly affected Kara. During her mother's treatment, Tointon herself was advised to undergo genetic testing. The results revealed that both she and her mother carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. This significantly increases the risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancers.
"It wasn't an easy decision," Tointon shared in her video, "but one I'm very glad I made. I can now, with hindsight, talk about it properly."
She went on to explain that the discovery came at a pivotal time in her life. She was pregnant with her first child and wanted more children if possible. The years that followed were filled with consultations and discussions to understand her options thoroughly.
- After welcoming her second son in 2021, Tointon and her partner decided their family was complete.
- Last year, she underwent a double mastectomy and a procedure to remove her fallopian tubes – a trial that's part of a larger study, as doctors believe ovarian cancer often begins in the fallopian tubes.
More Than Just Surgery: A Call for Awareness
Tointon's post is far more than a personal health update; it's a powerful message of awareness. She’s become an ambassador for The Eve Appeal, a charity dedicated to raising awareness about gynaecological cancers. She openly talks about the emotional toll of her journey, highlighting the importance of understanding your family medical history and seeking genetic testing if warranted.
The importance of early detection and the power of choices resonated deeply in Tointon's words.
“Knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing,” she emphasized.
She openly acknowledges the generational trauma that impacted her family's previous reluctance to seek information about this family history. Tointon's vulnerability in sharing this aspect of her story makes her message even more relatable and powerful.
Taking Control: An Inspiring Story
Kara Tointon's courageous decision and her willingness to share her journey are deeply inspiring. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventative healthcare, genetic testing, and open conversations about women's health. It emphasizes the individual power to take control of our own well-being.
Her honesty and vulnerability will undoubtedly resonate with many women facing similar choices. You can find further support and information about cancer and cancer treatment from various organizations such as Macmillan Cancer Support.
