Biopsy confirmed that Tabaré Vázquez had cancer

A biopsy confirmed the presence of a cancerous tumor in one of the lungs of Uruguay's president, Tabaré Vázquez, announced Friday a brief statement from the presidency.

"The determination of future therapeutic behaviors depends on the results of ongoing studies," the statement said. It is noted that Vázquez "is in excellent condition". A more complete report will be available in the coming days.

Vázquez had announced Tuesday at a brief press conference that he had a nodule in a lung with malignant features and that he would undergo treatment. The announcement provoked signs of solidarity from all political parties, including opposition leaders.

Vazquez, 79, said that he felt good and that he had no symptoms of the disease. The president, whose term expires in March 2020, is a professional oncologist.

On several occasions, he said he decided to embark on this career after the deaths of his parents and one of his sisters from a cancer.

In 2011, he published a book titled "Chronicle of a Bad Friend", which features his experience of fighting cancer, tips to prevent this disease and testimonials from his patients.

During his first presidency, between 2005 and 2010, he promoted tobacco regulation, making Uruguay one of the world's strictest consumer and advertising countries.

The wife of the president, María Auxiliadora Delgado, died less than a month ago. Local media reported that this was due to a heart attack.