dailyloe.com – Jackie Tohn has opened up about her health journey, revealing her decision to undergo a double mastectomy due to a genetic mutation. The actress shared her experience on the TODAY show on May 15. Her journey began after her father was diagnosed with metastatic tumors in January 2025.
Tohn’s father discovered lumps under his arm, which turned out to be metastatic carcinomas. Following this diagnosis, he underwent hereditary genetic testing and was found to be BRCA1 positive. This prompted Tohn to seek genetic testing herself.
Upon receiving her test results, Tohn learned she also carries a BRCA1 mutation. She explained, “It turned out that I had an 85% chance of getting breast cancer.” The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes typically help suppress cancerous tumors; however, certain mutations can significantly increase cancer risks.
Tohn underwent a preventive double mastectomy in December after learning about her genetic risk. She described her experience during the process, noting she often managed to compartmentalize her feelings about it. However, she faced challenges, such as receiving inconclusive breast MRI results just before presenting at the Creative Arts Emmys.
Now, Tohn is sharing her story to encourage others to understand their genetic risk factors for breast cancer. By discussing her health scare, she hopes to raise awareness about the importance of genetic testing and early intervention.
