Adam Yauch, the member of the Beastie Boys who also goes by the name MCA, announced Monday that he has cancer.

The group sent an e-mail to fans announcing that it had some problems. The mail contained a link to the rap group's Web site, which now features a video of Yauch explaining his condition, and apologizing for canceling concerts and delaying the release of an upcoming album.

Yauch said on the video that he had felt a lump in his neck for a few months and recently had a doctor check it out. It was diagnosed as cancer of the carotid gland and a nearby lymph node.

He says that it will be treated with surgery next week and radiation therapy, but that it is localized and will not affect his voice.

He also says that the band "will be back doing this soon."