Topp Twins: Lynda Topp reveals Jools Topp is on a new treatment for cancer

Dame Lynda Topp says she and her sister Dame Jools Topp are "doing ok" as they continue their battle against breast cancer and that Jools has started a new treatment.

Speaking on AM after it was revealed they'd both been nominated for New Zealander of the Year, the Kiwi icon shared the latest on their cancer battle.

"We're both doing OK, like my mum says 'you can't kill a weed,'" she said.

"We're both dealing with issues. Jools is on a new treatment, it's not chemo, it's something a bit newer and exciting, so she's dealing with that."

She didn't say more about the treatment.

"I had to stop my chemo because I've got a thing called [peripheral] neuropathy which is nerve damage which is caused by the chemo which is just something you have to deal with each day but we're happy, we're alive and we're very excited."

In March 2022, the Twins told their fans they were both dealing with breast cancer.

Jools was first diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2006 at the age of 48 but overcame it after her left breast was removed and weeks of gruelling chemotherapy.

However, Jools said at the time, she began to feel unwell again last year before shortly after Lynda found out she also had breast cancer. 

Speaking about the nominations as finalists, Topp said it was the "icing on the cake" after their recent struggles.

"[It's] pretty exciting, we're humbled and excited. It's been a hard few years, this is icing on the cake, it's awesome."

The winners of the award will be unveiled on March 30.

The finalists for Kiwibank New Zealander of the year - Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa are:

  • Sir John Kirwan
  • Jools and Lynda Topp - The Topp Twins
  • Professor Rangi Mātāmua
  • Ruby Tui.