Barry Manilow Says He’s Cancer-Free After Early-Stage Lung Diagnosis and Surgery

Barry Manilow says he is cancer-free following surgery to remove part of his lung, after being diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer late last year.

In an interview with People, the singer described the experience as a turning point, both physically and emotionally. “I’m one of the lucky ones,” he said, adding that while the diagnosis was unsettling, his recovery has been steady. “This really rocked me, but I’m getting stronger.”

Manilow underwent a lobectomy, a procedure in which a portion of the lung is removed. He spent seven days in intensive care following the operation before being discharged. Despite the severity of the surgery, doctors determined that no additional treatment, including chemotherapy, would be necessary.

The cancer was detected at an early stage, a factor that proved critical. According to Manilow, the tumor was discovered during a scan that was initially ordered after a bout of bronchitis. He said he had no symptoms that would have otherwise prompted concern.

The scan revealed a small abnormality, which doctors later identified as cancerous. Manilow said the diagnosis came as a shock, particularly given the absence of warning signs. He also noted that it remains unclear how long the tumor had been present. “If it had gone any further, I’d be in real trouble,” he said, emphasizing that the disease had not spread beyond its original site.

The experience forced him to reassess his life and career. He said the diagnosis led him to reflect on questions he had not previously considered in such direct terms, including whether he had achieved what he set out to do and how he had treated the people around him. “It made me stop and think,” he said. “Have I done what I wanted to do? Have I made people happy?”

Manilow concluded that, for the most part, the answers were positive, describing the reflection as unexpected but grounding.

The diagnosis also had immediate professional consequences. He canceled a series of Christmas performances in Las Vegas and postponed scheduled tour dates to focus on treatment and recovery. At the time, the cancellations were attributed to health issues, though the full extent of the situation was not publicly disclosed.

The timeline reflects a relatively quick return following a major medical procedure, though Manilow indicated that regaining strength has been a gradual process.

Manilow credited his doctor with ordering the scan that led to the diagnosis, describing it as a decision that likely altered the outcome.

With his recovery underway, Manilow is preparing to return to work. His next album, What a Time, is scheduled for release on June 5 and will mark his first new studio project in nearly 15 years. He is also set to resume touring, with a relaunch planned for April 13 at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York.