Brazil's Lula starts radiotherapy after removal of skin lesion / Photo: Daniel RAMALHO - AFP
Brazil's Lula starts radiotherapy after removal of skin lesion
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday began a course of preventive radiotherapy after a cancerous skin lesion was removed from his scalp last month, a hospital statement said.
Lula, 80, who is seeking a fourth term in October elections, has shared several posts on social media in recent months showing his exercise routine, in an apparent bid to allay concerns about his age.
Lula had a visible basal cell carcinoma removed last month by dermatologist Cristina Abdalla, who described it as "common" and "caused by sun exposure."
After the removal, "a decision was made to proceed with a complementary course of preventive superficial radiotherapy," the Sirio-Libanes Hospital in Sao Paulo said in a statement.
Lula has worn a hat in recent public appearances since the removal, as he did after a 2024 surgery for a brain bleed caused by a domestic accident.
Lula also had cataract surgery on his left eye in January.
The veteran leftist's main election rival looks likely to be Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro.
A.Kalani--HStB
