Hugo Chavez Says His Cancer Has Returned, Plans Surgery

The news comes after being reelected to a fourth term as President.

Image by Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia / AP

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Saturday night that “after a thorough medical examination” he has decided to undergo surgery “in the coming days.” After receiving tests in Havana, Chavez said that doctors noted the presence of malignant cells in the same area he had received cancer treatment earlier. That’s according to the Venezuelan state agency, AVN.

When he made the announcement, Chavez was sitting with members of his Cabinet, which included Vice President Nicolas Maduro and Congress head Diosdado Cabello

Chavez has had three cancer surgeries in Cuba since his diagnosis in July 2011, but declared himself cancer-free back in May.

The Venezuelan President was expected to travel on Sunday. He was recently elected to a fourth term as President.