Jair Bolsonaro faces a skin cancer diagnosis

 September 19, 2025

Amidst a storm of legal battles and political turmoil, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been diagnosed with skin cancer, adding a grave health concern to his already challenging circumstances.

Breitbart reported that in a whirlwind of events, Bolsonaro, sentenced to 27 years in prison for alleged involvement in a coup plot, now faces squamous cell carcinoma while under house arrest and grappling with multiple health issues.

Earlier this year, Bolsonaro faced significant legal repercussions following accusations of attempting to overturn the results of Brazil's 2022 presidential election.

A court sentenced him to 27 years in prison for what prosecutors described as "crimes against democracy," a charge his supporters have fiercely contested as unfounded.

Since August, he has been confined to house arrest under strict orders from STF Justice Alexandre de Moraes, barred from speaking to the media or using communication devices.

Health Crisis Emerges Amid Legal Struggles

On Sunday, a medical procedure revealed a troubling diagnosis for the former president.

His medical team removed eight skin lesions, and pathological analysis confirmed that two of them were squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer.

Dr. Cláudio Birolini explained the severity, stating, "Eight lesions were removed. Seven lesions were suspected of being skin cancer, and of these, two tested positive for a type of tumor called squamous cell carcinoma, which is neither the mildest nor the most aggressive."

Urgent Hospitalization Shocks Supporters

He added, "It is intermediate, but it is still a type of skin cancer."

Just days after the diagnosis, Bolsonaro's condition worsened, leading to an urgent hospitalization on Tuesday at DF Star Hospital in Brasília.

He experienced alarming symptoms, including vomiting, dizziness, and low blood pressure, prompting immediate medical attention.

Political Tensions Flare During Recovery

Despite battling multiple health issues such as iron deficiency, pneumonia, high blood pressure, and gastroesophageal reflux, Bolsonaro was discharged from the hospital twice within the same week.

During his discharge, supporters gathered outside the hospital, waving flags and chanting slogans to express solidarity with the embattled former leader.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Justice de Moraes modified Bolsonaro's police escort, assigning exclusive management to Brazil's Federal Police and Penal Police after concerns over delays in returning him to house arrest.

International Concerns and Family Resolve

Adding to the controversy, a federal court recently fined Bolsonaro approximately $188,750 for remarks deemed "racist" by the judiciary, though his supporters argue they were intended as humor.

Internationally, the situation has drawn attention, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voicing concerns over what he described as a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro, hinting at potential retaliatory actions against Brazil.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president's son, also spoke out, saying, "My father has fought tougher battles and won. This one will be no different. You can be sure that this is the result of relentless persecution since Jair Bolsonaro dared to challenge the system head-on and fight for Brazil."

Uncertainty Looms Over Bolsonaro's Future

Flávio Bolsonaro continued, "But those who have God and the people on their side fear nothing and no one."

The convergence of legal, political, and now serious health challenges paints a complex picture for Jair Bolsonaro as he navigates this tumultuous chapter of his life.

As his supporters rally and international voices weigh in, the former president's resilience and future remain under intense scrutiny amidst these compounding crises.