Former Uruguayan President José Mujica Diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer

José "Pepe" Mujica, the 88-year-old former President of Uruguay, has been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. The news was announced by his personal physician, Raquel Panone, during a press conference in Montevideo on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Mujica, who served as President from 2010 to 2015, is known for his humble lifestyle and progressive policies that legalized abortion, gay marriage, and recreational cannabis use in Uruguay.

Why this matters: The diagnosis of a prominent figure like Mujica highlights the importance of access to quality healthcare, particularly for elderly individuals with complex medical histories. As a champion of progressive policies, Mujica's health battle may also draw attention to the need for continued investment in Uruguay's healthcare system.

According to Dr. Panone, the diagnosis was made after an endoscopy revealed a malignant tumor in Mujica's esophagus, which was confirmed through anatomical pathology. The former president is set to undergo radiotherapy treatment next week in Montevideo. "Pepe has esophageal cancer," Panone stated. "We did other studies that showed that he has no lesion in any other organ."

Despite his health challenges, which include a history of being shot, losing his spleen, and having an immunological disease, Mujica remains optimistic. In a statement, he expressed his confidence in Uruguayan doctors and thanked those who have reached out to him since the news of his diagnosis broke. "Me han hecho un chequeo de todos lados, el asunto está localizado y es un tipo de variante celular que es muy atacable, casi seguro que el tratamiento que me van a imponer va a ser radiación," Mujica said.

The former guerilla fighter, who spent 12 years in prison during Uruguay's military dictatorship, also reflected on the nature of life and death. "Todo lo que nace, nace pa' morirse, hay que aceptarlo, y yo he tenido una suerte... tengo balazos a patadas, perdí el bazo, tengo una enfermedad inmunológica, estoy viviendo de gratis, ¿qué me voy a quejar? Cuando me toque, me toque, pero, por eso, pero es la vida es hermosa y eso es lo que yo le quiero transmitir a la gente joven, que no se sienta quebrado," Mujica said.

Mujica's immunological disease and advanced age have led to surgery and chemotherapy being ruled out as treatment options. The radiotherapy sessions, lasting 5-10 minutes each, will take place daily from Monday to Friday and are expected to continue for several weeks. Dr. Panone emphasized that while a cure is within expectations, at the very least, a long survival is possible for the former president.

Despite offers to receive treatment abroad, Mujica has chosen to remain in Uruguay, trusting in the country's medical professionals. However, Dr. However, Dr. Panone warned that the former president will experience fatigue after each radiotherapy session because of his immunological disease and renal insufficiency. She urged people to take precautions when interacting with him, such as avoiding hugs, to prevent infection.

Mujica, who remains a figurehead of the Broad Front, the leftist coalition that governed Uruguay from 2005 until it was ousted in the 2019 elections, intends to continue living a normal life and plans to participate in this year's presidential elections, although he may need to cancel some engagements because of fatigue. "Voy a terminar licuando el asado, con ensalada y todo lo voy a licuar y me lo voy a tomar como tipo bebida, es lo que voy a hacer,"Mujica joked, demonstrating his resilient spirit in the face of adversity.

As Uruguay and the world await updates on Mujica's health, his physician remains hopeful. "Pepe has the possibility to continue with his activity, to continue accompanying us, to continue advising us in life,"Panone stated. The diagnosis of the former president, known for his humility and progressive policies, has sparked an outpouring of support from both his home country and the international community.

Key Takeaways

• José "Pepe" Mujica, 88, diagnosed with esophageal cancer.
• Former Uruguayan President to undergo radiotherapy treatment.
• Mujica's health battle highlights importance of quality healthcare.
• Despite health challenges, Mujica remains optimistic and grateful.
• Mujica plans to continue living normally, participating in elections.