Madrid, Jan 24: Cancer-stricken Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has between nine and 12 months to live, his doctors said.

Doctors have prescribed him a high dose of pain-killers, which account for his recent flurry of political activity, Spanish daily ABC reported.

On Jan 13, Chavez spoke for 11 hours in the country's National Assembly.

According to media reports, Chavez has told doctors he will no longer subject himself to more aggressive treatments that would take him away from his public duties.

Medical sources close to Chavez have said he will be lucky to survive until the presidential elections in October.