TORONTO -- Stuart McLean has called off his annual Vinyl Cafe Christmas Tour to begin treatment for melanoma.

McLean has toured with the CBC radio show since 1998, according to the show's website.

McLean made the announcement about his cancer Saturday on his Facebook page and on the radio show's website.

McLean has published numerous books of short stories based on the radio program, and is an officer of the Order of Canada.

He said he will begin cancer therapy next week.

McLean says his doctor expects the treatment to be successful.