I'll wear my mastectomy scar proudly says Jools Topp

Jools Topp will have personal experience to draw on next time she performs with her sister at the Breast Cancer Foundation's annual charity fashion event, In The Pink.

The 48-year-old performer recently had her left breast removed after being diagnosed with breast cancer in August.

Topp is now recovering at home and about to undergo chemotherapy, but tests so far have found no sign of secondary cancer.

The prognosis is for a full recovery and Topp is crediting that to an early diagnosis thanks to her awareness- raising work with the foundation - performing at In The Pink over the past few years.

Manager Arani Cuthbert said Topp found a lump in her breast while taking a shower in January, but a mammogram and other tests found nothing for doctors to be concerned about.

"Then she did the [Breast Cancer Foundation] charity event in July and picked up on the message that early detection is the best preventive measure, and felt something was wrong so went for another mammogram. That showed up that something was definitely there."

Within a week of the diagnosis in August, Topp had had her left breast removed.

Ms Cuthbert said Topp wanted to go public with her experience now, as it is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The performer wants to encourage other women to check themselves regularly and see a doctor if they find anything unusual.

In an interview with the Woman's Weekly Topp said she had a long scar stretching from under her left arm to the middle of her chest - but she would wear it proudly.

"This is who I am now," she said. "I'll wear my scar proudly, and if that helps other women then so be it."

Topp joked that she was metamorphosing into her characters - Camp Leader on the right-hand side and Ken on the left (the side where her breast has been removed).

She has decided the "Big C" for her will stand for challenge, not cancer.

"It's important to stay positive, and I am lucky to be surrounded by positive, supportive people. I will overcome this challenge and hopefully help other women face this with courage too."

Topp said her sister Lynda and their manager, Ms Cuthbert, have been her rocks throughout her ordeal, while her partner Mary was her "angel".

On their website the Topp Twins say Jools Topp is doing well after surgery.

"We are confident she will fly through chemo as the plucky Camp Leader that she is."