Hugo Chavez faces fresh surgery Mr Chavez, 57, said the new surgery should be less complicated than what he underwent in Cuba in June, when doctors removed a cancerous tumour from his pelvic region. From July to September, he received four rounds of chemotherapy, both in Cuba and in Venezuela, and he has since said that tests show he is cancer-free. In recent weeks, Mr Chavez has recovered the hair that he shaved while undergoing chemotherapy and he has appeared vigorous, returning to his full schedule of activities, including marathon television appearances. He has assured Venezuelans that he is in fine shape to gain what would be his third re-election in Oct. 7 elections against opposition candidate Henrique Capriles.