Lula says he finished radiotherapy, skin cancer cure is definitive

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Friday that he has completed his final radiotherapy session and is definitively cured of skin cancer. The 80-year-old leader underwent surgery in late April to remove a basal cell carcinoma, the most common and least severe type of skin cancer, from his scalp.

Since the surgery, Lula has publicly worn hats. During a ceremony at the Planalto Palace, he removed his hat to discuss his treatment, briefly showing his head to attendees. "Today I went to the Sírio-Libanês hospital and finished the 15th radiotherapy. I had skin cancer, and radiotherapy is to eliminate any prospect [of complications]," he stated.

Lula expressed happiness about his "definitive cure" while launching a program to finance motorcycle purchases for delivery workers. His first radiotherapy session was on March 25, described at the time as a preventive measure. He maintained his schedule and travel commitments throughout the treatment, with sessions usually held in the morning in Brasília.

Modern radiotherapy involves bombarding the affected skin area with electron beams for a few minutes per session. Side effects are typically localized and mild, including redness, skin irritation, and temporary hair loss. Lula kept his treatment discreet, with some close allies only learning about the radiotherapy necessity after his first session was announced.

As Lula seeks re-election in October, he is working to project an image of vitality. He has shared his exercise routines on social media and engaged in public jogs, aiming to counter any potential questions about his physical capacity to govern.

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Today I went to the Sírio-Libanês hospital and finished the 15th radiotherapy. I had skin cancer, and radiotherapy is to eliminate any prospect [of complications]