Venezuela leader Hugo Chavez says he's "totally free" of cancer, ready to start re-election campaign

Venezuela's president Hugo Chavez speaks during a news conference, his first as presidential candidate of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela for the upcoming elections, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 9, 2012. / AP

(AP) CARACAS - President Hugo Chavez said Monday he's completely free of cancer and assured Venezuelans that physical limitations stemming from his recuperation will not affect his re-election campaign.

Speaking at a news conference, Chavez said he's "totally free" of cancer and plans to begin actively campaigning soon following months of radiation treatment, physical rehabilitation and medical exams.

"I feel in better physical condition every day," he said.

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Over the past 13 months, Chavez has undergone two surgeries that removed tumors from his pelvic region, most recently in February.

The socialist leader has not disclosed key details about his illness including the type of cancer that had been diagnosed.

Following his cancer treatment, Chavez has appeared in public less frequently, preferring to address Venezuelans during marathon speeches broadcast on television and radio.

Some had questioned the Venezuelan leader's ability to compete in the Oct. 7 election and rumors had circulated that he would name a successor.

Chavez called on his supporters to prepare for "an offensive," when he plans to start attending campaign rallies.

[melpol12]

Cuba discovers cancer cure, Castro and Chavez are living proof of their success. Thousands have found new hope and are on the waiting list to be treated by the best surgeons and chemotherapists in the world.

[smartasss1]

What in hell is keeping this guy alive?

[gracescalia]

HELL is keeping this guy alive--that and machines. Satan IS on Earth.
**HOWEVER** he still has to fight diabetes and obesity...

[technocoffee]

Meaning: dude will probably croak in one month or less..

[rickd86]

anybody who describe Bush as El Diablo is ok in my book.

[smartasss1]

good point.

[samXXkiley]

coucou,
good news Hugo Chavez, really, now you can take back your favorite hobby : "give lessons to the world"
'au revoir"

[expatriate2]

All of you will have room to talk when your government gives free health care to all its citizens as in Venezuela.
You can talk when the quality of education increases each year as in Venezuela.
You can talk when you give lower food cost to your poor as in Venezuela.
You can talk when you can fill your car's tank for $1 dollar as in Venezuela.
And you can talk when you actually go there and witness for yourself instead of sucking up all the Washington B.S.

[dcalbrecht]

And that is one thing you can't do in Venezuela, talk! So don't make any waves if you go. You will be "Disappeared". Dicktators are like that.

If it wasn't for the oil they have, then nothing there would be free. What else does the country have to offer?

[smittyc]

Get real Caracas is a war zone. You take your life in your hands if you travel anywhere in the country at night. Soldiers and police are everywhere and so are murderers, robbers and thieves. Chavez is a narcissus. If he loses, it will be because of the violent crime. His leadership has been a real shame, Venezuela used to be a nice place to go for tourist and Americans and Venezuelans were good friends for many decades. Overall he has made a big mess and his speechs are all intertwined with over exaggerations and lies.

[smittyc]

They must have changed the protocol. The Drs used to wait four years before stating to the patient yes you are definitely in remission.

[gnimelf1968]

You have a psychopath asking you if he's going to be okay, your life is in the answer, what are you going to say?

[Filmguy870]

Cancer: I'm totally free of Hugo Chavez!

[takacrat]

and brains