Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appeared on national television Monday with a close-shaved head, a result of his battle with cancer.

Mr. Chavez said he shaved his head after his hair began falling out as a result of chemotherapy treatment for an unspecified type of cancer.

The Venezuelan president said his chemotherapy was going well, and he joked about his appearance as he presided over a televised ceremony.

Mr. Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba June 20 to remove a cancerous tumor.