Startling news from Iron Maiden today (Feb. 19), as it has been revealed that singer Bruce Dickinson has undergone a seven-week treatment for a cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue.

The news was revealed in a statement posted on the band's official website. The good news is that the cancerous tumor was caught early while Dickinson was visiting a doctor for a routine check-up. However, the singer will need a few months to recover from his treatment, and the band is asking for fans to respect the legendary vocalist's privacy until they issue a new update in late May.

Here's the full statement as it appears on Iron Maiden's official website:

Just before Christmas, Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson visited his doctor for a routine check-up. This led to tests and biopsies which revealed a small cancerous tumour at the back of his tongue. A seven week course of chemotherapy and radiology treatment was completed yesterday. As the tumour was caught in the early stages, the prognosis thankfully is extremely good. Bruce’s medical team fully expect him to make a complete recovery with the all clear envisaged by late May. It will then take a further few months for Bruce to get back to full fitness. In the meantime we would ask for your patience, understanding and respect for Bruce and his family’s privacy until we update everyone by the end of May. Bruce is doing very well considering the circumstances and the whole team are very positive.

We'd like to send our best wishes to Bruce Dickinson during this difficult time, and here's hoping for a speedy and full recovery.

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