Colorado football coach Deion Sanders announced Monday that he was treated for an aggressive form of bladder cancer earlier this year and is now considered cancer-free. The former NFL star underwent surgery to remove his bladder and is preparing to coach again this fall.
The 57-year-old Hall of Famer said doctors discovered the cancer during a routine CT scan. Sanders has a history of blood clots in his legs and undergoes regular health checks. “It was a fight, but we made it,” Sanders told reporters.
Surgeons removed his bladder and used a part of his intestine to create a new one — a complex procedure often used for advanced cases. He shared his story publicly to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize their health.
What Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer begins when cells in the bladder grow abnormally and form tumors. The bladder is the organ that stores urine, and when these cells grow out of control, they can spread to other parts of the body.
Early symptoms often include:
- Blood in the urine (which may look pink, orange, or red)
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urges to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- In more advanced cases, symptoms can include:
- Back pain (usually on one side)
- Inability to urinate
- Swollen feet
- Loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue
The American Cancer Society warns that blood in the urine is the most common early sign. However, it may also be caused by less serious conditions like infections, kidney stones, or other benign diseases. If symptoms appear, it’s important to seek medical advice.
How Common Is Bladder Cancer?
Bladder cancer is the 10th leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. It’s more common in men than in women.
According to the American Cancer Society:
- An estimated 85,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2025.
- Around 65,000 of those will be men.
- Bladder cancer rates have declined slightly — about 1% per year — in recent years.
- Death rates have also decreased slowly since 2013.
What Causes Bladder Cancer?
The main risk factor is smoking. Chemicals in tobacco are filtered by the kidneys and end up in the urine, which exposes the bladder to harmful substances.
Other known risk factors include:
- Exposure to industrial chemicals, especially in jobs such as painting, leather and metal work, mining, and firefighting
- Chronic bladder irritation, including long-term catheter use
- Older age, as most cases occur in people over 55
- Personal or family history of bladder cancer
What Are the Treatment Options and Survival Rates?
Bladder cancer treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread at the time of diagnosis.
Common treatments include:
- Surgery to remove the tumor, part of the bladder, or the entire organ
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
Survival rates vary based on the cancer’s progression:
- 72–97% survival if the cancer is contained within the bladder
- Around 40% if it has spread to lymph nodes or nearby organs
- Just 9% if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body
The good news is that advancements in treatment have improved outcomes, and early detection significantly raises the chance of survival.
Conclusion
Deion Sanders’ recovery story highlights the importance of regular health screenings and fast action when symptoms appear. While bladder cancer remains serious, early diagnosis and new treatment options offer hope.
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