Beastie Boys - Yauch: 'Cancer All-clear Reports Are Exaggerated'

The star, aka MCA, put his career on hold after doctors found a tumour in his parotid gland in July, 2009.

The lump was removed and Yauch subsequently insisted he was on the road to recovery by declaring he was "feeling healthy, strong and hopeful", having adopted a strict vegan diet and started using ancient Chinese medicine upon the advice of Tibetan doctors.

His bandmate Mike D revealed earlier this week (begs03Jan11) that Yauch had overcome the illness, branding the news "a good thing" - but now Yauch has spoken out to inform fans of his true health situation.

In an email statement, he says, "While I'm grateful for all the positive energy people are sending my way, reports of my being totally cancer free are exaggerated.

"I'm continuing treatment, staying optimistic and hoping to be cancer free in the near future."