Barry Manilow Cancer Diagnosis: How Fans Reacted and What Happens Next
Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow, 82, has announced that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer after doctors found a “cancerous spot” on his left lung during a recent MRI. He said his medical team does not believe the cancer has spread, and he plans to undergo surgery to remove the spot.
What Led to the Diagnosis
Manilow explained that the discovery came after an extended illness:
- Six weeks of bronchitis, followed by
- A relapse lasting another five weeks
Even after returning to performing, his doctor ordered an MRI “just to make sure that everything was OK,” which is when the lung spot was detected. Manilow emphasized that it was found very early, calling it “pure luck” and crediting his doctor.
Treatment Plan: Surgery, Not Chemo or Radiation
In his message to fans, Manilow said he will have the spot removed surgically and is undergoing tests to confirm his doctors’ assessment.
Key points from his statement:
- He is going into surgery to remove the spot.
- Doctors do not believe it has spread (with tests underway to confirm).
- “No chemo. No radiation.”
How This Affects His Tour Schedule
Manilow was set to perform a run of arena shows in Florida in January, but those dates have been postponed due to treatment.
- The January U.S. tour was scheduled to include nine concerts across nine cities.
- Those shows have been rescheduled for late February, March, and April.
He also told fans that upcoming performances are planned at his “home away from home,” the Westgate venue, including shows around Valentine’s Day weekend.
Smoking History He Has Discussed Publicly
The report also notes Manilow’s past comments about smoking:
- He said he smoked for 30 years and later switched to electronic cigarettes about a decade ago.
- In an earlier interview, he said he started smoking at age nine, stopped for many years, then restarted later.
- He described once smoking as much as three packs a day of non-filter cigarettes.
His Message to Fans
Along with apologizing for disrupting fans’ plans, Manilow urged people to be proactive about their health, saying that if someone has even the slightest symptom, they should get tested.
