José Carreras, one of the greatest tenors of all time, appeared on stage earlier this month at La Scala after a 14-year absence, in a concert to raise funds for the fight against cancer. The occasion was the 35th Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), October 8-12, 2010, in Milan.

"You can return to live as you did before,…, before the tumor, before the illness, and with the same determination and the same energy," Mr. ­Carreras said. "In 1987, I was attacked by leukemia. I spent 11 months in a hospital and had a marrow transplant. People who survive cancer change; they become more mature, and their priorities change. I've become more ready to listen to others, more able to talk to people and communicate. And you can see this change when I perform because the artist and the man cannot be separated. The message I want to transmit to others who are fighting against cancer is to hold on to those you love and your friends, because even the smallest glimmer of hope can help you to fight with more determination. Cancer leaves deep wounds but you can win." ■