Chavez Has Colon Cancer, Infected Abdomen, El Periodico Says

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is battling a colon cancer that has perforated his intestinal wall and infected his abdomen, Spanish newspaper El Periodico said, citing unidentified Venezuelan diplomats.

Chavez will have to use a colostomy bag for at least three months, the Barcelona-based newspaper reported. Chavez, who is recovering from two surgeries in Cuba, isn’t able to begin chemotherapy due to the infection, the paper said. The situation is serious because the tumor may have metastasized, El Periodico reported, citing the diplomats.