Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has begun preventive radiation therapy following a diagnosis of early-stage skin cancer, according to his medical team and presidential office announced Monday.
The 80-year-old leftist leader underwent surgery on April 24 to remove a basal cell lesion.
Medical staff at the Sirio-Libanes Hospital released a statement saying they “decided to proceed with complementary treatment with preventive, superficial radiotherapy on the scalp.” The doctors noted that the president will continue his normal daily responsibilities without any limitations.
A presidential spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that the “small” lesion was identified as early-stage cancer. The president will complete 15 radiotherapy treatments designed to prevent additional lesions from developing.
The president is anticipated to seek a fourth non-consecutive term in the October election and currently holds a lead over right-wing opponent Flavio Bolsonaro in multiple polling surveys for a possible second-round runoff.
As Brazil’s oldest serving president, he has faced several health challenges, including emergency surgical procedures in 2024 to address and prevent brain bleeding. In 2011, the president received treatment for throat cancer.
