On June 12 (local time), Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he had completed the preventive radiation therapy process after being treated for skin cancer and affirmed that he had completely recovered from this disease.
Speaking at the Planalto Presidential Palace in Brasilia, Mr. Lula said he had just finished his 15th radiation therapy session at Sirio-Libanes Hospital.
I once had skin cancer and radiation therapy is to ensure the complete elimination of all remaining risks. I am very happy to have completed the treatment and recovered from the disease," the Brazilian leader shared.
Radiation therapy began on May 25th at Sirio-Libanes Hospital. According to treating doctors, this is an additional measure to minimize the risk of recurrence after the lesion has been removed before.
At the end of April, President Lula underwent a medical procedure to remove a skin lesion appearing on his head. Test results later determined that this was basal cell carcinoma - the most common form of skin cancer today.
Medical experts say that basal cell carcinoma often develops slowly and has a very high cure rate if detected early. This type of disease is mainly related to long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays from sunlight.
Unlike many other dangerous cancers, basal cell carcinoma rarely metastases to other organs. However, if not treated promptly, the tumor can spread locally and damage surrounding tissues.
At the age of 80, Mr. Lula still maintains a tight work schedule. In recent weeks, the Brazilian leader has continued to participate in political and foreign affairs activities while undergoing radiation therapy.
The information that the Brazilian President has completed treatment has received great attention from public opinion in the country, especially when he is one of the most influential political figures in Latin America today.
Observers believe that Mr. Lula's rapid return to stable health will help the Brazilian government maintain important agendas in the coming time, while strengthening public confidence in the health of the country's leader.
