Bolsonaro Receives Skin Cancer Treatment Through Brazil‘s Public Health System (SUS)
Florianópolis, Brazil – former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is undergoing treatment for skin cancer through the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), Brazil’s public healthcare system, following a recent diagnosis. The case has drawn attention as Bolsonaro, a vocal critic of the SUS during his presidency, now relies on the very system he often questioned.
Bolsonaro, 69, was diagnosed with skin cancer after a lesion was detected during routine examinations. He reportedly sought treatment at the santa Catarina State Hospital (Hospital de caridade) in Florianópolis, where he received initial care and was subsequently referred for further specialized treatment within the SUS network. Details regarding the specific type of skin cancer have not been publicly disclosed,but sources indicate it is a non-melanoma form. This diagnosis comes amidst ongoing legal challenges for Bolsonaro, including investigations related to an attempted coup and recent reports of his vehicle being towed for illegal parking in the Greater Florianópolis area.
Brazil has the highest incidence of skin cancer in the contry, with Santa Catarina state leading the statistics, particularly in cases of melanoma, the most severe form. According to the State Department of Health, skin cancer is primarily caused by excessive, unprotected sun exposure and disproportionately affects light-skinned individuals, the elderly, and those with a family history of the disease. The SUS offers complete care for skin cancer patients,including prevention programs,early detection screenings,and a range of treatments from surgical removal to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The SUS provides free access to skin cancer treatment for all Brazilian citizens and residents, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. Preventative measures promoted by the Health Department include avoiding prolonged sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., using protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and regularly applying sunscreen with a high SPF.Regular self-examination of the skin is also strongly encouraged.
