The Backstreet Boys [ tickets ] have scrapped plans for a New York City appearance originally scheduled to take place today (10/5), as well as two Big Apple performances planned for tomorrow, because group member Brian Littrell has been diagnosed with swine flu.

"We were really looking forward to spending time with out closest fans and friends in NYC and take part of Pinktober, an unbelievable and important program," Littrell said in a statement on the group's planned record-signing appearance at the Hard Rock Cafe as part of the Pinktober breast-cancer awareness campaign. "I hope we can come back soon and do everything we can to help."

In addition to the Pinktober event, the group has also pulled out of its planned performance on CBS's "The Early Show" tomorrow, as well as an "intimate performance at PC Richards," both of which were due to take place tomorrow (10/6), the same day the group's new album, "This Is Us," hits stores.

Littrell's fellow group members--Nick Carter, Howie Dorough and AJ McLean--have all been given a clean bill of health, according to a press release, but "the rest of the band's promotional schedule for this week has not been determined."