Ex-EastEnder Kara's double mastectomy after gene test

Actress's op to stop cancer

- By Charlotte McLaughlin

FORMER EastEnders star Kara Tointon has revealed she had a double mastectomy to prevent cancer.

The actress, also known for her work in dramas including The Teacher and Mr Selfridge and for winning Strictly Come Dancing, said tests showed she has a BRCA gene mutation, which puts her at high risk of these.

Kara 41, posted an Instagram video yesterday to raise awareness of the preventative measure.

She said: “You may have heard of the BRCA genes 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. Back in 2018 when my mum was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, I was asked to take a genetics test.