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 yesterday.

However, his doctors said his prognosis is good.

The 59-year-old ex-Catholic bishop underwent minor surgery to remove the growth last 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”.

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