Adam Yauch clarifies cancer treatment

Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch has clarified he is still undergoing treatment for cancer.

Last week it was widely reported Adam - also known as 'MCA' - had been given the all clear for the disease in his salivary gland and lymph node, based on comments made by his bandmate Mike Diamond, but he has since posted on the band's website to address the situation.

He wrote: "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."

Adam was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, and shortly afterward visited Tibetan doctors who prescribed him a traditional course of medication, and he also attended a teaching given by the Dalai Lama in India.

At the time he emailed fans saying he was making positive progress.

He wrote in late 2009: "I'm feeling healthy, strong and hopeful that I've beaten this thing, but of course time will tell.

"I'm taking Tibetan medicine and at the recommendation of the Tibetan doctors I've been eating a vegan/organic diet, which surprisingly enough was harder to do in India than it is now that I'm back home."

It is not known if Adam is also taking western treatments or medicines for his condition.

After the rapper's diagnosis, the group shelved their planned 'Hot Sauce Committee: Part I' album and wrote a new album, which is now set for release in Spring, called 'Hot Sauce Committee Part 2'.

The album is the bands first rap release since their 'To The 5 Boroughs' album in 2004.