Its patients also include current Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff -- Lula 's handpicked successor and is the first woman to hold the presidency -- who was treated in 2005 for lymphoma . NEW : Brazil 's finance minister says Lula is `` a fighter '' and will beat cancer . One of Lula 's doctors says that he appears to be doing well . The Brazilian government has announced plans for the country's first national health insurance program in more than 20 years, which would provide coverage to all Brazilians regardless of income or employment status. His tumor is localized and has not metastisized , a hospital spokeswoman says .
NEW : Brazil 's finance minister says Lula is `` a fighter '' and will beat cancer . One of Lula 's doctors says that he appears to be doing well . The Brazilian government has announced plans for the country's first national health insurance program in more than 20 years, which would provide coverage to all Brazilians regardless of income or employment status. His tumor is localized and has not metastisized , a hospital spokeswoman says .