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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Holly Bishop

EastEnders star ‘overwhelmed’ as she shares double mastectomy update

An EastEnders star revealed that she is feeling “overwhelmed” as she gave a candid health update following her double mastectomy.

Kara Tointon, who played Dawn Swann on the BBC soap from 2005 until 2009, revealed last May that she decided to undergo the procedure after she learnt that she carried the BRCA1 gene - a gene that puts patients at a higher risk of certain types of cancer.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast on Tuesday (17 March), the 42-year-old reflected on life since the surgery and discussed how she initially found it “daunting” to share her story.

“I am really glad I have. The response was overwhelming,” said Tointon, who has since been spreading awareness of the BRCA1 gene.

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