Barry Manilow revealed his lung cancer diagnosis and lobectomy, calling the experience a “nightmare” despite being cancer-free. The surgery removes a lung lobe to treat localized cancer and is most effective when detected early. His journey highlights the importance of early diagnosis, awareness of symptoms, and advances in minimally invasive surgery that improve recovery and survival outcomes.
Legendary singer Barry Manilow has opened up about his recent lung cancer diagnosis and undergoing a lobectomy in December 2025. The 82-year-old, in an interview, recalled spending seven days in the ICU before being discharged, calling the experience a “nightmare” despite it leaving him cancer-free. “You just don’t even think about [how fragile life is]. And suddenly, you have lung cancer,” he told People magazine.
“But I’m still here. I’m not all here; there’s part of me that isn’t here – they took out a part of me, and now I’ve got to figure out, ‘What do I do?’ ” Manilow added, “This really rocked me, but I’m getting stronger, and we’ll see if I can make it back.”
As conversations around lung cancer awareness, early diagnosis, and advanced treatment options grow, understanding what a lobectomy involves is more important than ever.
What is a lobectomy?
A lobectomy is a surgical procedure in which one of the lobes of the lungs is removed. The human lungs are divided into lobes, three on the right and two on the left. When cancer is confined to a specific lobe, removing that portion can effectively eliminate the tumour while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible.
This procedure is considered a standard treatment for early-stage lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for the majority of lung cancer cases.
Why is a lobectomy needed?
Doctors say they recommend a lobectomy when:
- The cancer is localized and has not spread extensively
- The patient is healthy enough to undergo surgery
- Removing the affected lobe offers the best chance of cure
In cases like Manilow’s, early detection plays a critical role. When lung cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, surgical removal of the tumour can significantly improve survival rates.
How does the surgery work?
A lobectomy can be performed using different techniques:
Open surgery or thoracotomy
A traditional approach involving a larger incision in the chest
Minimally invasive surgery, or VATS
Smaller incisions, faster recovery, and less pain
During the procedure, surgeons carefully remove the affected lobe along with nearby lymph nodes to ensure the cancer has not spread.
Recovery and risks
Recovery from a lobectomy varies depending on the patient’s overall health and the surgical method used. Most patients spend several days in the hospital and may take a few weeks to fully recover. A few common side effects include:
- Pain or discomfort in the chest
- Shortness of breath during recovery
- Fatigue