Live and let live
The crooner who found fame with Mandy, Copacabana, and I Write the Songs urges his fans to seek advice if they have respiratory difficulties.
Just before Christmas, 82-year-old entertainer Barry Manilow revealed that he is battling early-stage lung cancer, forcing him to postpone several concerts.
After suffering from bronchitis for 11 weeks, Manilow had an MRI that uncovered a cancerous spot on his left lung. He said the tumour was detected at stage one, meaning it was localised and probably hadn’t spread.
Manilow underwent surgery in late December, and his doctors hope he will recover without chemotherapy or radiation.
He has urged fans to seek medical advice for any persistent respiratory symptoms, stressing the importance of early detection.
Lung cancer remains one of Australia’s most serious health challenges. About 15,000 Australians are diagnosed with the disease each year, and nearly 9,000 will die from it.
Despite recent advances in treatment, the overall five-year survival rate is about 27%. For older Australians, the risk is even higher, as cancer incidence and mortality increase significantly with age.
One of the difficulties with lung cancer is that it often develops silently. Symptoms can be subtle at first, but warning signs include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, breathlessness, chest or shoulder pain, repeated chest infections, coughing blood, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
While smoking remains the leading cause, non-smokers are not immune, and environmental factors such as exposure to pollutants can play a role.
Diagnosis typically begins with imaging tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans, followed by a biopsy to confirm the cancer type. Most cases fall into two categories: non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for about 85% of diagnoses, and small cell lung cancer.
Treatment options vary depending on the stage and type but may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy. For early-stage cases such as Manilow’s, surgery can be curative.
Early detection is critical. People at higher risk, particularly older adults with a history of smoking, should discuss screening options with their doctor.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program offers low-dose CT scans for eligible patients. Preventive measures such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and reducing exposure to indoor pollutants can also lower your risk.
Persistent respiratory symptoms should never be ignored. Resources such as HealthDirect and the Lung Foundation Australia provide guidance, symptom checkers, and support services to help you take proactive steps toward lung health.
Related reading: Hollywood Reporter, Cancer Australia, HealthDirect, Lung Foundation Australia
PHOTO BY MATTHEW BECKER - www.melodicrockconcerts.com - matt@melodicrockconcerts.com / Weatherman90 at en.wikipedia
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