Michael Jackson waiting for cancer OK

May 22, 2009, 9:25 GMT

Michael Jackson must wait a week to find out if he needs radiation therapy to treat his alleged skin cancer.

The 'Thriller' singer reportedly had cancerous growths removed from his nose and chest in a shave biopsy operation in Beverly Hills yesterday (21.05.09).

Jackson, 50, now faces an agonising wait to find out if the surgery was effective.

According to Britain's The Sun newspaper, if the operation failed to remove all the diseased cells, the singer will face weeks of exhausting radiotherapy which is likely to put his upcoming residency at London's O2 arena in jeopardy.

Jackson is reportedly worried sick and is planning to spend the next few days praying he will be OK.

A source said: "It's about waiting and praying now."

Yesterday (21.05.09) it was announced the pop superstar is delaying the start of his 'This Is It' comeback concerts.

The first show of the 50-night run will now take place on July 13, five days later than originally planned.

Concerts scheduled to take place on July 10, 12 and 14 have been moved to March 2010.

But Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live who are promoting the residency, has vehemently denied Jackson has cancer stressing the delay because of the "massive and technically complex show".

He said: "Michael is not sleeping with elephants and not suffering from skin cancer. He's a magnet for weird stories but he's in great shape. I'd trade my body for his tomorrow.

"This show has grown in size and scope, thereby, necessitating more lead time for manufacture of the set, programming the content for the massive video elements, and, most importantly, more time for full production and dress rehearsals.

"As much as we agonised over this change in the original schedule, we are sure the fans will understand when they experience the level of entertainment Michael Jackson intends to deliver."

Over 80,000 fans who bought tickets for the postponed shows - including hundreds who live as far away as Australia and South America - are furious with the changes.

Ticketholders who can't make the new dates will be given full refunds but AEG Live won't offer compensation for travel and accommodation bookings.