Panama President Laurentino Cortizo has been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. However, in a televised statement on Monday (local time), the 69-year-old head of state said confidently: “I want to say I’m feeling good, I’m in a good mood and I will continue my work.”
In late May, a routine survey of the politician revealed a “decrease in hemoglobin and white blood cells,” as he described in his statement. A bone marrow biopsy then revealed that he suffered from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This type of blood cancer inhibits the production of blood cells. Cortizo plans to be reexamined in Houston, Texas next July to assess the severity of his illness.
Internist and intensive care physician Julio Sandoval said Cortizo’s blood cancer caused patients to feel tired and weak and lose weight. The disease can be caused by a hereditary condition that only becomes noticeable from the age of about 60 years. Depending on the exact type of cancer, the life expectancy of those affected is “between six months and 15 years,” the doctor said.
Source: Krone
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