Sammy Davis Has Cancerous Growth

Entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. has a cancerous growth in his throat but is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing radiation treatment, one of his doctors said Thursday.

“I’ll take the prescribed treatment and, with the help of the good Lord, will be back cooking (performing) by the end of the year,” Davis, 63, said in a statement issued in Los Angeles.

The illness will require changes in a concert series featuring Davis, Frank Sinatra and Liza Minneli, a star-crossed tour that initially included Dean Martin until he became ill last year and Minneli took his place.

Davis’s illness was recently discovered by his family physician, Dr. Gerald Blankfort, during an annual checkup, according to a statement by Susan Reynolds, spokeswoman for “Frank, Liza and Sammy: The Ultimate Event.”

Despite the illness, Davis will complete his engagement at Harrah’s in Tahoe, ending Sunday. He will then begin radiation therapy at a Los Angeles hospital next week on an out-patient basis.