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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 2 surprising factors that ‘increase your breast cancer risk' as Kara Tointon reveals brave mastectomy
BREAST cancer, it's a disease we've all heard of - most of us will know someone affected - but do you know your risk of developing it? Yesterday, former EastEnders star Kara Tointon revealed she's taken the decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries a gene that increases her risk. But did you know, there are everyday factors that can influence your chances of the disease - including your height? 9 Kara Tointon revealed she underwent a double mastectomy back in 2021 9 Former EastEnders star Kara bravely spoke out on her own experience to raise awareness of the disease Credit: Getty The 41-year-old posted an Instagram video to raise awareness of the preventative measure, after discovering she was at risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. 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." The soap star was asked to take a genetics test when her mum Carol was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer back in 2018. Sadly, her mum died in 2019. After having her second son in 2021 and deciding her family was complete, she underwent two preventative surgeries - the first a double mastectomy and the second a two-part procedure involving the removal of the fallopian tubes and later the ovaries. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer. It refers to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor suppressor genes that play a role in DNA repair and preventing uncontrolled cell growth. When these genes have alterations (mutations), it can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers. According to Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, women who carry abnormal BRAC 1 and BRAC2 genes have an 85 per cent increased lifetime risk of breast cancer. She added: "Breast cancer is more likely to occur at an earlier age and to affect both breasts. "The risk of ovarian cancer is also increased." Individuals are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations if they have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, particularly if multiple close relatives have been diagnosed. A tiny lump in my breast nearly killed me at just 31 - I felt 'amazingly healthy' If you think you could be at risk, Dr Lee advises seeing your GP. She said: "After a consultation, you may be referred for predictive genetic testing. "There are pros and cons of having the predictive test and not everyone will want to have it. "Before you have the test, you will be offered genetic counselling. The test is a blood test." Two risk factors that might surprise you BRCA genes aren't the only risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Kerri Palmer-Quinn, senior scientific research officer at Breast Cancer UK, says the biggest risk factor is ageing - something we unfortunately cannot control. Like many cancers, family history of the disease and various lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence your risk But other risk factors for breast cancer may surprise you. Being tall 9 Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Studies suggest there's a slight link between height and breast cancer risk, with taller women potentially having a slightly higher chance of developing the disease. Dr Palmer-Quinn said: "Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. "The reasons behind this association are still being investigated, however it may be linked to the growth spurts taller woman have during early development. "These growth spurts mean that taller women may have higher levels of certain growth factors as well as the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). "IGF-1 can promote cell growth and prevent programmed cell death which can increase the risk of cancer, including breast cancer." High breast density 9 Having high breast density is strongly associated with the disease Credit: Getty Having high breast density (also known as mammographic density) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "having dense breasts means you have higher proportions of fibrous and glandular tissue which is where breast cancers are more likely to arise, in comparison to fat tissue. "Breast density can only be determined by a mammogram scan and isn't related to how your breasts look or feel. "Having dense breasts can make these mammogram scans more difficult to interpret meaning potential cancers are harder to identify. "Breast density can be influenced by your genetics and potentially the environment; it also may change overtime and tends to reduce with age." Other risk factors to be aware of While some breast cancer risk factors are unavoidable, including age, others are modifiable and can be addressed to potentially lower your risk. Weight gain throughout adulthood 9 Weight gain through adulthood can increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer Credit: Getty Weight gain throughout adulthood increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer; particularly if the weight gain occurs after menopause has taken places, advised Dr Palmer-Quinn. She added: "After menopause, the body's production of the sex hormone oestrogen shifts from the ovaries to fat tissue. Therefore, increased body fat can lead to higher levels of circulating oestrogen, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer. "In addition, excess body fat can contribute to chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone regulation in ways that may further increase breast cancer risk." What you can do: To maintain a healthy weight, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Alcohol consumption 9 Alcohol can raise levels of circulating oestrogen and raise the risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Any level of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing breast cancer - there is no safe threshold. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "Alcohol raises levels of circulating oestrogen. "It is also broken down into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer. "Additionally, alcohol can contribute to weight gain, which may further increase risk, particularly after menopause." What you can do: When it comes to giving up alcohol it can help to tell your family and friends that you're aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why. This way, you can share your successes with them, and they'll understand why you've started turning down drinks or trips to the pub. Try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. And remember to enjoy the benefits, including weight loss, better sleep, and more energy. Smoking 9 Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent Credit: Getty Studies have shown a small but statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer in women who smoke compared to those who have never smoked. Dr Lee said: "Current smoking increases the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent compared to those who have never smoked." What you can do: The most effective way to quit smoking is to combine nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications with professional support from a local stop smoking service. Lack of exercise 9 Lack of exercise is a well known risk factor for breast cancer, as well as many other types of cancer Credit: Getty A lack of physical activity is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Lee explained: "Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by around 20 per cent. "Exercise lowers hormone levels and reduces inflammation as well as helping control body weight." What you can do: To begin exercising, start with low-impact activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase intensity and duration. Set realistic goals, choose activities you enjoy, and schedule exercise into your routine. Consider finding an exercise buddy, using a journal or app to track progress, and varying your workouts to stay motivated. As well as doing what you can to reduce your risk of breast cancer, make sure you're well aware of the symptoms to look out for - see a GP if you experience any of the below...
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy
See what she had to say about the Scandinavian life nordic ma Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KARA Tointon has a wonderful life with her two kids in Norway after quitting the UK. The former EastEnders actress yesterday revealed she had undergone surgery to have a double mastectomy as a preventative measure after finding out she carries the BRCA1 gene. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Former EastEnders' star Kara Tointon has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy Credit: Instagram 6 The actress now lives in Norway Credit: Instagram 6 She is mum to two young kids and loves 'the Scandinavian life' Credit: Instagram 6 Kara decided to have the mastectomy after losing her mum to cancer Credit: Instagram That gene raises the risk of breast cancer and Kara told fans how she made the decision to have the operation after her mum died of ovarian cancer in 2018. Kara posted an emotional video to Instagram where she described how she had both her breasts and her Fallopian tubes removed to lower her chances of getting breast cancer. The mother-of-two, said her family was at the forefront of her mind when making the decision. "I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made," she said. Kara added later in the video: "I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more." She is mum to Frey, six, and Helly, four, who she shares with ex-fiance Marius Jensen. Kara and Marius got engaged in 2018 with plans of getting married in his Norwegian homeland, but split four years later. While the exact date of her move to Norway is not known, Marius recently opened his own chiropractic clinic there after a few years in London. The actress opened up on loving her life in the Nordic country. "It happened really naturally as we were spending more and more time over here," she told the Daily Mail. EastEnders and Strictly star Kara Tointon reveals she's undergone double mastectomy "It's so easy to get back to London and it just seems to work." She added: "It's such a beautiful country and a great place to bring up children and I'm definitely adapting to the Scandinavian lifestyle." In 2024 she told the Mirror: "Now I have children so my priority is to be at home as much as possible. "I live in Norway now - we've upped sticks and we're there. At the moment, we're settling into Norwegian lifestyle and loving it, so I'm lucky." Despite their split, Kara and Marius stay in touch to co-parent their children. Much of Kara's Instagram shows her life in Norway, including plenty of time fishing and enjoying the waterside with her kids. The actress rose to fame on the BBC soap playing Dawn, a bright teen from an impoverished home. Kara played Dawn for more than 300 episodes until 2009 after joining four years earlier. She has plenty of film and TV credits under her belt, including the lead role in prestige series, The Teacher and Too Good To Be True. In 2010, she won Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer, Artem Chigvintsev. Before joining EastEnders, Kara had dated Busted band member, James Bourne and even appeared in the band's reality series, America or Busted. 6 Kara rose to fame playing Dawn on EastEnders Credit: Handout
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy
KARA Tointon has a wonderful life with her two kids in Norway after quitting the UK. The former EastEnders actress 6 Former EastEnders' star Kara Tointon has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy Credit: Instagram 6 The actress now lives in Norway Credit: Instagram 6 She is mum to two young kids and loves 'the Scandinavian life' Credit: Instagram 6 Kara decided to have the mastectomy after losing her mum to cancer Credit: Instagram That gene raises the risk of breast cancer and Kara told fans how she made the decision to have the operation after her mum died of ovarian cancer in 2018. Kara posted an emotional video to Instagram where she described how she had both her breasts and her Fallopian tubes removed to lower her chances of getting breast cancer. The mother-of-two, said her family was at the forefront of her mind when making the decision. "I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made," she said. eastenders Kara added later in the video: "I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more." She is mum to Frey, six, and Helly, four, who she shares with ex-fiance Marius Jensen. Kara and Marius got engaged in 2018 with plans of getting married in his Norwegian homeland, but split four years later. While the exact date of her move to Norway is not known, Marius recently opened his own chiropractic clinic there after a few years in London. Most read in Showbiz "It happened really naturally as we were spending more and more time over here," she told the EastEnders and Strictly star Kara Tointon reveals she's undergone double mastectomy "It's so easy to get back to London and it just seems to work." She added: "It's such a beautiful country and a great place to bring up children and I'm definitely adapting to the Scandinavian lifestyle." In 2024 she told the Mirror: "Now I have children so my priority is to be at home as much as possible. "I live in Norway now - we've upped sticks and we're there. At the moment, we're settling into Norwegian lifestyle and loving it, so I'm lucky." Despite their split, Kara and Marius stay in touch to co-parent their children. Much of Kara's Instagram shows her life in Norway, including plenty of time fishing and enjoying the waterside with her kids. The actress rose to fame on the BBC soap playing Dawn, a bright teen from an impoverished home. Kara played Dawn for more than 300 episodes until 2009 after joining four years earlier. She has plenty of film and TV credits under her belt, including the lead role in prestige series, The Teacher and Too Good To Be True. In 2010, she won Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer, Artem Chigvintsev. Before joining EastEnders, Kara had dated Busted band member, James Bourne and even appeared in the band's reality series, America or Busted. 6 Kara rose to fame playing Dawn on EastEnders Credit: Handout 6 She won Strictly Come Dancing in 2010 Credit: PA:Press Association
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
EastEnders star Kara Tointon, 41, undergoes double mastectomy
Former EastEnders star Kara Tointon has revealed she has undergone a double mastectomy. The actress found fame as Dawn Swann on the BBC soap, a role she played for four years between 2005 and 2009. Introduced alongside the wider Miller family, Dawn conned her neighbours out of money and being kidnapped by twisted Dr May Wright (Amanda Drew). Her exit story saw her sailing into the sunset (quite literally) with Gary Hobbs (Ricky Groves). After leaving Albert Square, Kara went on to win Strictly Come Dancing, and appear in ITV dramas The Bill and Mr Selfridge. She's also had a number of theatre roles, including a live version of The Sound of Music which was transmitted on television in 2015. Taking to Instagram today, she revealed that she's chosen to reduce her risk of cancer after discovering she's a carrier of the BRCA1 gene, which increases the chances of being diagnosed. Speaking in a video to her 151,000 followers, Kara explained that her mum passed away from ovarian cancer seven years ago. The star has has now undergone a double mastectomy and had her fallopian tubes removed. 'This is personal, but important,' she wrote alongside the clip. 'I am sharing with you my journey with the BRCA1 gene. It's about understanding, choices, and taking control. Hope this helps someone out there.' She goes on to explain: 'You may have heard of the BRCA genes type 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means that 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. 'There is a history of both cancers in my family but for various reasons including generational trauma of which I'll talk more about another time, we hadn't looked into it until that point.' Kara continued: 'But it was put to us, we took the test and it was confirmed that my mum and I both carried the gene. 'I was pregnant with my first child at the time, knew I wanted more children if possible so over the next couple of years I was invited to various meetings by the NHS to really become informed and to understand all my options. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! 'Last year having had my second son in 2021 and deciding that our family was complete, I underwent two preventative surgeries. The first a double mastectomy and the second a two part protector study, a trial. 'They believe that ovarian cancer begins in the Fallopian tubes so by removing them first checking out you can remove the ovaries later.' More Trending Concluding her video, she added: 'I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made. I can now with hindsight talk about it properly. 'I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more.' Kara's EastEnders alter ego Dawn was referenced in the serial last year, when her on-screen brother Mickey (Joe Swash) made a surprise return. View More » Having separated from Garry, she was now operating an eco-friendly B&B business in the Cotswolds with her family. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: Hollyoaks star Paul Danan's death at 46 ruled misadventure MORE: Coronation Street fans convinced major star is returning MORE: Colson Smith lands 'exciting' new job after Coronation Street exit
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
EastEnders star Kara Tointon has double mastectomy after finding she carries deadly gene
The former EastEnders star, 41, found out she carries the deadly BRCA1 gene - and made the brave decision to undergo a double mastectomy and have her fallopian tubes removed Kara Tointon has bravely undergone a double mastectomy, seven years following the death of her mother, Carol, to ovarian cancer. The former EastEnders actress, aged 41, took the decisive step after discovering that she carries the life-threatening BRCA1 gene. Taking to Instagram to announce her major surgery and the removal of her fallopian tubes as a preventive action, she courageously informed her followers: "You may have heard of the BRCA genes type 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means that I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer." Reflecting on the crucial point when her mum was battling ovarian cancer back in 2018, Kara shared: "Back in 2018 when my mum was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, I was asked to take a genetics test. "There is a history of both cancers in my family but for various reasons including generational trauma of which I'll talk more about another time, we hadn't looked into it until that point." She disclosed the heavy truth saying, "But it was put to us, we took the test and it was confirmed that my mum and I both carried the gene. With two children to think about, Kara stressed the importance of family in her decision-making process regarding the surgical procedure. She elaborated: "I was pregnant with my first child at the time, knew I wanted more children if possible so over the next couple of years I was invited to various meetings by the NHS to really become informed and to understand all my options", reports the Mirror. "Last year having had my second son in 2021 and deciding that our family was complete, I underwent two preventative surgeries. The first a double mastectomy and the second a two part protector study, a trial. "They believe that ovarian cancer begins in the fallopian tubes so by removing them first checking out you can remove the ovaries later." The NHS explains that while cancer is typically not hereditary, certain types - primarily breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancer - can be heavily influenced by genes and may run in families. According to their website: "We all carry certain genes that are normally protective against cancer. "These genes correct any DNA damage that naturally happens when cells divide. "Inheriting faulty versions or 'variants' of these genes significantly raises your risk of developing cancer, because the altered genes cannot repair the damaged cells, which can build up and form a tumour. "BRCA1 and BRCA2 are examples of genes that raise your cancer risk if they become altered. Having a variant BRCA gene greatly increases a woman's chance of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer." After undergoing several medical examinations, Kara decided that surgery was the best course of action. She concluded: "We are finding out more and more about personal genetics and most people believe in surveillance, but after doing this for a couple of years, having MRIs, waiting for biopsy, we decided that this was the right decision for me and my family. "I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made and I can now with hindsight talk about it properly."
