Chavez admits to cancer operation

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has admitted to having had a cancerous tumour removed, following weeks of speculation as he was treated in a Cuban hospital. In a late-night address broadcast live in Venezuela, Chavez acknowledged a "fundamental error" in neglecting his health for years.

Reuters/VTV via Reuters TV

"Studies confirmed the existence of a tumour with cancerous cells," Chavez said Thursday in his first televised address since being rushed to hospital in Cuba on 10 June during a state visit.

Earlier he had appeared in a video chatting with former Cuban president Fidel Castro.

Venezuelan officials had said he was being treated for a pelvic abscess, but Chavez announced that the operation had uncovered the tumour and a second operation had been necessary to remove it.

Chavez did not say where the tumour was found or what type of cancer was detected.