John Newman has confirmed the news that his brain tumour has returned. The 26-year-old British singer is expected to take a break from music next year to undergo treatment after doctors found some "cancerous cells".
In a statement released to the Metro on Wednesday, John said: "This was going to come out at some point and it's probably best it's out in the open now. I have been monitored constantly since the first time I had the tumour removed. There was always a chance that it could return and it is unfortunate but it is something I am prepared to get through when the time is right, some point next year.
John Newman has confirmed that his brain tumour has returned
"The medical staff have been absolutely amazing and I know I am in the best of hands. Nothing will ever stop me from doing the job I love so much, nothing will ever stop me from making music.
"People shouldn't worry about me, the prognosis is good and there are so many people in far more serious situations. I just hope this is some way helps raise awareness for those people and encourages people to be tested and treated as early as possible. I am one of the lucky ones! John x."
John was first diagnosed with a small tumour in 2012 – just as his breakthrough track Feel The Love was being released. It was non-cancerous, but he had to undergo an operation to remove the growth. "I started going blind. But being Northern I just thought, 'I'm fine, I'll just need some glasses'," he said at the time.
The 26-year-old was first diagnosed in 2012
"I went to the opticians and they send me to the eye hospital. They sent me to a neurosurgeon and they told me I had a non-cancerous tumour and they had to take it out. I was starting to shake, I was so scared."
This week, a source told the Sun: "John's brain tumour is back. He's known about it for a while but has kept it a closely guarded secret, confiding only in those closest to him – his mum, his brother and a few loyal members of his family.
"Now he's started telling people because it won't be long before he takes time out for treatment. After the operation, he'll need some radiotherapy so there's talk of him taking a few months off to get the job done and convalesce.
"Although he's trying to remain as positive as possible, it's a really emotionally draining time for poor John."