Syria’s first lady Asma Assad has breast cancer, says presidency

In an unusual public announcement for the Arab world, Syria’s presidency says Asma Assad has breast cancer.

President Bashar Assad sitting next to his wife Asma Assad with an IV in her left arm in what appears to be a hospital room, in Syria. Picture: AP

Syria’s presidency says first lady Asma Assad has begun treatment for breast cancer.

The presidency posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday a photo of President Bashar Assad sitting next to his wife in what appeared to be a hospital room with an IV in her left arm.

The statement posted with the photo says the “malignant tumour” was discovered in its early stages and wished her a speedy recovery.

Such public announcements are uncommon in the Arab world, where cancer is considered a taboo.

The 42-year-old Asma Assad is originally from the central province of Homs. She was born and raised in Britain before moving back to Syria after meeting the president.

The two have been married for 18 years and have three children, Hafez, Zein and Karim.

AP