More than a “pain in the neck”

via examiner.com

Beastie Boy Adam Yauch released a video Monday announcing that he has cancer. Band members joined him in the studio to record a message to fans and announce that they will be canceling tour dates and postponing their “Hot Sauce Committee Part 1,” album release.

Doctors found a cancerous tumor in his left salivary gland and he will need surgery and other treatment. The statement says his vocal cords will not be affected, which the rapper is thrilled about. The video is somewhat lighthearted as the guys goof around and giggle despite the serious situation:

"It's a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it)” Adam says in the video, “because I was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later." Adam is lucky, however, because the tumor was found early and it is confined to one area so it is “very treatable.” He is expected to make a full recovery.

Hopefully other stars will show him some support. Famous cancer survivors include Sheryl Crow who beat breast cancer and of course the legendary Lance Armstrong. Help out Adam and other big (and small) names by supporting cancer research. July is UV Safety Month so lather up and take action around skin cancer. Or volunteer at a hospital and help kids through the Child Life program.