In a heartfelt announcement, the legendary musician Barry Manilow revealed that he has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The 82-year-old star took to Instagram, sharing that an MRI scan uncovered "a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed," following his recent battle with bronchitis. He expressed gratitude for the early detection, stating, "It's pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news."
Manilow also informed his fans that some dates for his farewell tour will need to be rescheduled. However, he emphasized that his primary focus is on undergoing surgery to remove the tumor. "The doctors do not believe it has spread, and I'm taking tests to confirm their diagnosis. So that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns,” he added, maintaining a light-hearted spirit during this challenging time.
The beloved artist, known for hits like "Can’t Smile Without You," is eagerly anticipating a grand celebration when he returns to the stage in February. He took a moment to encourage others, saying, “Even if you have the slightest symptom, get tested.” This statement underscores the importance of being proactive about health, particularly regarding lung cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer among both men and women in the United States. It predominantly affects older adults, with most diagnoses occurring in individuals aged 65 and above. Alarmingly, only a small fraction of cases are found in those under the age of 45, with the average age at diagnosis hovering around 70 years.
Lung cancer stands as the leading cause of cancer-related fatalities in the U.S., accounting for nearly 20 percent of all such deaths. Dr. Juliana Eng, an oncologist from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, shared insights with AARP in 2023 about the common warning signs of lung cancer, which include persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms might encompass fatigue, wheezing, and unexplained weight loss. "Most people with a mild cough don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that it could be lung cancer, and similarly, patients experiencing slight shortness of breath tend to overlook it," Dr. Eng noted. She also mentioned that universally screening everyone with these common symptoms might not yield significant benefits.
Screening for lung cancer plays a crucial role in effective treatment, yet a concerning number of individuals who qualify for screenings are not taking advantage of them. Data from the 2024 National Health Interview Survey revealed that approximately 12.76 million people met the criteria for lung cancer screening according to the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines. However, only 18.7 percent of those eligible reported being current with their screenings, highlighting a significant gap in preventive care.
For those seeking further information on cancer, including the necessary steps to take following an initial diagnosis, AARP provides valuable resources.
