Kara Tointon, the beloved EastEnders actress, has shared an incredibly moving health update, revealing the emotional and physical challenges she’s faced after undergoing a double mastectomy. Appearing on BBC Breakfast on March 17, 2026, Kara, who had the surgery in 2025, spoke candidly about her decision to take such a significant step to prevent breast and ovarian cancer after discovering she carries the BRCA1 gene.
The 42-year-old star, known for playing Dawn Swann in EastEnders, had both her breasts and fallopian tubes removed in May of the previous year after her genetic testing revealed her risk for the deadly gene mutation. Kara spoke openly with BBC Breakfast hosts Jon Kay and Sally Nugent about how the surgery, while daunting, has ultimately brought her peace.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Kara emphasized the importance of understanding one’s body and knowing when to take control of one’s health. “For me, it was the right decision, and I can only speak about it in a positive way because it has been positive,” she shared.
The actress had previously opened up about her decision in an emotional post to Instagram, where she explained how the loss of her mother to ovarian cancer in 2018 pushed her to undergo genetic testing. Kara also revealed that after years of biopsies and MRIs, she made the difficult decision to undergo the surgery, opting for preventative measures rather than waiting for cancer to strike.
Speaking about the bravery required to make the call, Kara said, “Making that first appointment and first call is the hardest part of the process. Once you do that, it’s left to the professionals.”
Kara’s decision to go public about her health, and her collaboration with the Eve Appeal charity, has sparked a wave of positive feedback from fans and fellow survivors. She revealed that her story resonated with many, and in turn, she hopes to inspire others to take charge of their health and make informed decisions.
The Strictly Come Dancing champion, who returned to acting after a five-year hiatus, discussed the emotional toll of her health battle but assured viewers that, with time, she feels empowered and optimistic about the future. Kara’s message to everyone? “Don’t be scared, facing things actually is empowering.”
As she continues her journey of recovery, Kara hopes to be a beacon of strength for others facing similar battles. Her transparency about her own personal experiences serves as a reminder that we all have the power to take control of our health and well-being.
