Barry Manilow, the Grammy winning singer songwriter whose career spans more than five decades, disclosed Monday that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer and will reschedule several upcoming concerts while he undergoes surgery.
The announcement, made through a social media post, prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists as the eighty two year old performer emphasized that doctors believe the cancer was detected early.
The health update marks a significant moment for the artist, whose touring schedule has remained active well into his later years.
Manilow said the diagnosis followed a prolonged battle with respiratory illness. According to his statement, he experienced six weeks of bronchitis, followed by a relapse lasting another five weeks.
Although he returned to performing at the Westgate Las Vegas after recovering, his physician ordered further imaging as a precaution.
That scan revealed what Manilow described as a cancerous spot on his left lung. Doctors recommended surgical removal and advised postponing several January performances to allow time for treatment and recovery.
“It’s pure luck and a great doctor that it was found so early,” Manilow wrote, adding that physicians do not currently believe the cancer has spread. Medical experts say early detection is a critical factor in lung cancer outcomes.
Dr. Elaine Morrison, a thoracic oncologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York who is not involved in Manilow’s care, said early stage lung cancer is increasingly discovered through imaging performed for unrelated conditions.
“When lung cancer is caught at an early stage and confined to a small area, surgery alone can often be curative,” Morrison said. “That dramatically improves long term survival rates compared with cases diagnosed later.”
She noted that patients without evidence of metastasis often do not require chemotherapy or radiation following surgery, depending on pathology results. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
In the United States, the American Cancer Society estimates that about one in five cancer deaths is linked to lung cancer. However, survival rates have improved in recent years due to advances in imaging, screening and surgical techniques.
Data from the National Cancer Institute shows that the five year survival rate for localized lung cancer exceeds sixty percent, compared with less than ten percent for cases diagnosed after the disease has spread.
Public health experts say Manilow’s case underscores the importance of follow-up imaging, particularly for older adults with persistent respiratory symptoms.
Fans outside the Westgate Las Vegas, where Manilow has maintained a long running residency, expressed concern but also optimism.
Linda Alvarez, a longtime fan from California who has attended more than twenty Manilow concerts, said the announcement was emotional.
“He’s been the soundtrack to so many moments in our lives,” Alvarez said. “Knowing he caught this early gives us hope that we’ll see him back on stage soon.”
Music industry analyst Robert Klein said Manilow’s transparency reflects a broader trend among public figures sharing health updates directly with audiences.
“Artists today often speak candidly about their health, which can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek medical care,” Klein said.
Manilow said his January shows will be rescheduled to February and March, with plans to return to the Westgate Las Vegas for Valentine’s Day weekend performances on Feb. twelve, thirteen and fourteen.
He added that he expects to continue performing throughout the coming year, pending medical clearance.
While recovery timelines vary, doctors generally advise several weeks of rest following lung surgery, depending on the procedure and the patient’s overall health.
Specialists say maintaining physical conditioning, which Manilow has credited as key to his longevity, can aid recovery.
Barry Manilow’s announcement brings renewed attention to the realities of aging, health and early cancer detection, even for performers who remain active well into their later years.
As he prepares for surgery and adjusted tour dates, the singer has signaled confidence in his prognosis and commitment to returning to the stage.
The disclosure adds a personal chapter to Manilow’s public career, one shaped by decades of music, resilience and continued connection with audiences worldwide.
