Reports from Venezuela today confirmed that Venezuela president Hugo Chávez’s tumor is indeed cancerous and that the Venezuelan president will remain in Cuba for further radiation treatment. 

Chávez appeared on television Sunday to acknowledge that the two-inch growth was indeed a relapse of the cancer for which he was previously treated last year. He denied that the cancer has spread to other parts of his body and denied rumors of having suffered a post-surgery hemorrhage.

All of which means that the Venezuelan presidential race will remain on hold, more or less, while Venezuelans and the world alike wait to determine whether Chávez will be able to contest the October vote.  Chávez has taken pains to demonstrate his ongoing vigor and stamina, notwithstanding his cancer — he spoke on Sunday, for example, for a full 90 minutes on a range of topics.