Paraguayan president diagnosed with cancer

Paraguayan president Fernando Lugo has been diagnosed with cancer and will be required to undergo chemotherapy.

A biopsy of a growth removed from President Lugo’s groin showed the presence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer affecting the lymphocytes, or white blood cells, haematologist Alfredo Boccia confirmed today.

However, his doctors said his prognosis is good.

The 59-year-old ex-Catholic bishop underwent minor surgery to remove the growth on Wednesday. He then cancelled his official schedule and took a long weekend to recover.

Public health minister Esperanza Martinez told reporters last night that President Lugo “will still be able to perform his duties, even while he is receiving treatment”.

Pathologist Jose Bellasai said that “the president’s illness, unlike other cancers, has an excellent prognosis”.