Jackie Tohn, star of Nobody Wants This, has revealed that she underwent a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she carries the BRCA1 gene mutation. In a candid interview with People, the actress described how her decision ultimately saved her life.
A Life-Saving Decision
Tohn admitted that it feels strange to speak so highly of herself, but she now embraces the power of self-affirmation. 'It's a hard one because I think we are raised to not say these grand things about ourselves,' she said. 'Like, "I'm amazing. I am so strong. I can do hard things. I saved my own life." They feel weird coming out because your whole life, it's like, "Okay, conceited." But then when you turn into a grownup, you're like, "Wait a minute, these are the most powerful things we can say to ourselves." Now on the other side of it, thanks to my decision to be so proactive, I did. I objectively saved my life. It's crazy to wrap your brain around. It's life-changing. It's life-affirming. It's powerful.'
The Journey to Surgery
Tohn's journey began in January 2025 when her father was diagnosed with metastatic carcinoma. Genetic testing revealed he was BRCA1 positive, meaning she had a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene. She mentioned this during a routine mammogram appointment, and the radiologist's reaction made her realize the gravity of the situation. She underwent genetic testing that same day, and weeks later, the results confirmed she carried the BRCA1 mutation. A genetic counselor informed her that she had an 85 percent risk of developing breast cancer and a 65 percent risk of ovarian cancer. 'You get this diagnosis and then you don't know where to throw yourself. You just sit down on a bench and you go, "Well, how do I live through this? What do I do?" I put on my rocket shoes and I said, "Let's get this stuff out of here."'
A 'Boob Voyage' Party
The 45-year-old actress maintained her sense of humor by throwing a 'Boob Voyage' party before the surgery. Her close friends, including Nobody Wants This co-stars Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, and Justine Lupe, attended. Tohn told her partner, actor-writer-director Joe Gillette, that she was 'taking the bull by the horns because your girl's not going out without laughing.'
Precancerous Cells Found
After the double mastectomy in December 2025, pathology revealed precancerous cells in both breasts. 'The doctor called me almost crying, shrieking with joy, like, "We did it. We saved your life."' Tohn is now planning to undergo a preventative oophorectomy before the end of 2026.
Advocating for Genetic Testing
Due to her Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, Tohn had a higher risk of carrying the BRCA gene. She has partnered with Myriad Genetics to promote the MyRisk Hereditary Cancer Test. 'I hope people don't get sick of me talking about it because I am going out there to tell every single person with a set of ears,' she said. 'If there are multiple cancers in your family, a rare cancer in your family, anyone with cancer young, or you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, get genetic testing. Getting this test done is literally as easy as spitting in a tube.'
