Kara Tointon Applauded by Giovanna Fletcher and Stacey Dooley for Brave Decision to Undergo Double Mastectomy After BRCA1 Gene Diagnosis

This version maintains clarity, corrects "BRAC1" to the standard "BRCA1," and streamlines the phrasing while preserving key details.

Kara Tointon Shares Brave Decision for Preventative Surgeries Amid BRCA1 Diagnosis

Former EastEnders star Kara Tointon, 41, has received an outpouring of support after revealing her “brave decision” to undergo a double mastectomy and fallopian tube removal. The actress, an ambassador for gynecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal, shared her journey in an emotional Instagram video, explaining she took preventative action after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly raises cancer risks.

[IMAGE: Kara Tointon in her Instagram video, caption: Kara shared her journey to raise awareness about BRCA1 and preventative surgeries.]

Famous Friends Rally Behind Her
Celebrity pals including Stacey Dooley, Giovanna Fletcher, and Ashley James praised Kara’s courage. Fletcher commented, “Love you so much my friend!!” while ex-EastEnders co-star Jo Joyner called her an “inspiration.” Kara’s openness aims to encourage others to prioritize health screenings and genetic testing.

A Family History of Cancer
Kara’s decision followed the 2018 death of her mother, Carol, from ovarian cancer. After genetic testing confirmed Kara carried the BRCA1 mutation—which elevates breast cancer risk to 60-90% and ovarian cancer to 44%—she opted for surgeries post-childbirth. “Having completed my family, I underwent two preventative surgeries last year,” she explained.

[IMAGE: Kara with her mother Carol, caption: Kara’s mother Carol passed away from ovarian cancer in 2018.]

Medical Perspective
Dr. Martin Scurr, a medical columnist, supported Kara’s choice, noting BRCA mutations impair DNA repair, heightening cancer risks. Preventative surgeries, like those pursued by Angelina Jolie in 2013, reduce but don’t eliminate risks. Kara initially tried regular MRI scans but found peace of mind through surgery.

Balancing Motherhood and Health
Kara, who shares sons Frey, 6, and Helly, 4, with fiancé Marius Jensen, emphasized family as her priority. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but I’m glad I made it,” she said. The family splits time between the UK and Norway, where her father and sister reside.

[IMAGE: Kara with her children, caption: Kara prioritized surgeries after completing her family with fiancé Marius Jensen.]

Advocacy and Awareness
As part of The Eve Appeal’s “Get Lippy” campaign, Kara urged women to understand their bodies and genetic risks. She thanked her surgeons and highlighted the importance of shared stories: “Knowledge is power.”

BRCA Gene Basics

• What is it? BRCA1/2 genes repair DNA; mutations increase cancer risk.
• Inheritance: 50% chance if a parent carries the mutation.
• Risks: Up to 90% lifetime breast cancer risk and 44% ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 carriers.

Double Mastectomy Overview

• Procedure: Removal of breast tissue to reduce cancer risk.
• Recovery: Typically 4 weeks, with options for reconstruction.

[IMAGE: Kara in EastEnders, caption: Kara rose to fame as Dawn Swann on the BBC soap.]

Kara joins figures like Angelina Jolie in spotlighting preventative health choices. Her story underscores the emotional and physical resilience required to confront genetic risks—and the power of sharing experiences to uplift others.

“I miss you. I miss your voice. I miss your everything,” Kara wrote in a tribute to her mother. Now, through advocacy, she ensures Carol’s legacy fuels awareness and hope.

[IMAGE: Kara at a charity event, caption: Kara continues to advocate for cancer awareness with The Eve Appeal.]

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