Music legend Barry Manilow has opened up about a recent health scare: he has a cancerous spot on his left lung.
The 82-year-old singer, best known for hits like Copacabana, shared the news with fans via an early-morning Instagram post, explaining that he will undergo surgery soon but will not require chemotherapy or radiation.
Discovery Came After Bronchitis
Manilow revealed that the spot was discovered during an MRI taken after weeks of bronchitis.
“Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK,” he wrote.
The singer described the early detection as “pure luck” and credited his attentive doctor for catching it before it could spread.
Surgery Planned, But No Chemo or Radiation
The singer said he will take a break from performing for surgery.
“The bad news is that now that the Christmas Gift Of Love concerts are over I’m going into surgery to have the spot removed,” he explained.
Manilow reassured fans that tests suggest the cancer has not spread.
“So that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
Tour Postponed, But February Performance Expected
Manilow had planned a U.S. tour in January 2026, covering nine cities including Orlando, Tampa, Charleston, Greensboro, and Columbus.
He confirmed that these concerts would need to be rescheduled to allow for recovery.
“Something tells me February is going to be one big party,” he said, promising fans he will return to the stage after a month of recuperation.
Smoking History and Health Background
The singer, a longtime smoker who switched to vaping in recent years, has been candid about his smoking habits.
He told the London Evening Standard in 2012 that he began smoking at age nine and went through periods of heavy cigarette use.
Over the years, Manilow has faced several health challenges including bronchial infections, vocal cord issues, throat cancer treated in 2020, heart problems, and hip surgery.
Vaping as an Alternative
Manilow credits vaping with helping him quit traditional cigarettes.
“Do they work? They do for me, my band and my crew, all of us who hated smoking but couldn’t stop,” he told the Evening Standard.
He has been seen vaping publicly and at events, emphasizing that it has been a safer alternative for him personally.
A Lifelong Dedication to Music
Despite health setbacks, Manilow continues to perform with remarkable energy.
He has often said that music and performing are what keep him going.
“You saw me going up those stairs on stage — there’s 14 steps up and 14 down.
You would think I should be in a wheelchair or something,” he told the Daily Mirror in 2019, marveling at his endurance.
The Cancerous Spot Explained
According to the Mayo Clinic, a cancerous spot on the lung, also called a lung nodule, is fairly common and often benign but requires evaluation due to its potential link to lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer deaths.
Doctors consider factors like nodule size, growth, smoking history, age, and shape to assess cancer risk.
Further tests, including PET scans or biopsies, may be performed for a definitive diagnosis.
Early Detection Is Key
Manilow’s case highlights the importance of early detection.
Small, suspicious nodules may be monitored over time or surgically removed if cancer is suspected.
Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, giving patients a better chance at successful treatment.
Staying Positive and Encouraging Others
Through his announcement, Manilow also shared a message for fans: be attentive to symptoms and get tested promptly.
Despite this diagnosis, his outlook remains positive, and he looks forward to returning to performing, showing that even at 82, his passion for music continues to drive him forward.
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