Overview

• The 41-year-old former EastEnders actress revealed she carries the BRCA1 gene, prompting her to choose surgery to reduce her cancer risk.
• After two years of MRIs and biopsies, she opted last year for a double mastectomy followed by fallopian tube removal once her family was complete.
• Tointon’s decision was driven by her mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis followed by her death, which led to genetic testing in 2018.
• Partnering with gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal, she used Instagram to detail her emotional journey and inform others about testing options.
• She described the surgery as difficult yet empowering, encouraging women to understand their bodies and explore preventive choices.