The Beastie Boys' Adam "MCA" Yauch has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo surgery, he announced in a video posting on the group's website this morning. The band has canceled its summer tour plans and delayed the release of its forthcoming album, "Hot Sauce Committee Part 1," in order to allow time for his recovery.

According to the video announcement, Yauch was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left salivary gland last week, and while it is localized to that area and is treatable, immediate surgery is required. According to Yauch, his vocal chords are not affected, and he is expecting to make a full recovery.



"I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we'll release the record and play some shows," he said in a written statement. "It's a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) 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."

The Beastie Boys had planned for a busy summer, including headlining slots at many of the major festivals in the United States - Lollapalooza, All Points West, Outside lands and Austin City Limits - as well as a September date at the Hollywood Bowl. The group performed at the Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, Tenn. last month.

"Hot Sauce Committee Part 1," the group's eighth album, was originally scheduled for release on Sept. 15. The set will include 17 tracks, including "Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win" featuring Santigold and "Too Many Rappers" featuring Nas.

EMI, the group's label home for all but its debut release, issued a statement this afternoon: "Our thoughts, love and prayers are with Adam Yauch, his family and the Beastie Boys. The most important thing is to allow Adam to focus on staying healthy. We wish him all the best and a speedy recovery."