Iron Maiden post Bruce Dickinson cancer update

Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson has completed his course of treatment for cancer and it is now a matter of time before he finds out if the disease has been beaten.

The news comes in a posting on Iron Maiden's website by manager Ron Smallwood. In mid-February, it was announced that Dickinson was suffering from cancer found on the back of his tongue during a routine checkout. Over the last few weeks, he has undergone both chemotherapy and radiation treatment and now must wait until the side effects of the treatment to subside to get a more definitive prognosis.

Bruce has asked me to thank everyone for their tremendous support and kind wishes. He has been extremely touched and encouraged by the genuine and affectionate response from our global family of Maiden fans.

Radiology is cumulative and continues to build in the body for around three weeks after treatment, so even though Bruce's seven week course is completed, he's had a long period of considerable pain and discomfort. He is happily now starting to recuperate and the pain will continue to abate and the swelling to reduce for the next couple of months at which time he will be able take an MRI scan. It is not until then that we will have full confirmation that the cancer has been completely destroyed. However prognosis continues to be extremely good and everyone is optimistic for a full recovery. Following the scan, we will officially update you on this website at the appropriate time, probably in late May.

After that, it will take a few more months for Bruce to get back to full fitness. Naturally the rest of the band are totally supportive and Maiden's plans will be determined by Bruce's progress.

Please continue your positive thoughts. They are very much appreciated.

Thanks

Rod Smallwood

Dickinson joined Iron Maiden in 1981 as their fourth lead singer and was initially with the band until 1993. He returned in 1999 and has remained a member for the last sixteen years.

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