Brazil's Lula starts preventive radiotherapy after early-stage skin cancer diagnosis

BRASILIA -- Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has started preventive radiation treatment after being diagnosed with early-stage skin cancer, according to a medical statement released on Monday.

The president underwent the first of a 15-session treatment scheduled over three weeks, doctors at the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital in the capital city Brasilia said in the statement.

Following the removal of a lesion on his scalp, the medical team opted for "complementary treatment with preventive superficial radiotherapy," the statement said.

Lula "will continue his daily activities without restrictions, remaining under the monitoring of the medical teams," it said.

A month ago, the 80-year-old Brazilian leader had a skin lesion removed from his head, which was identified as basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. Specialists say such lesions are related to chronic sun exposure and pose no major health risks.

Doctors have also recommended preventive measures, including wearing a hat and using sunscreen, to protect the president from continued sun exposure.