Deion Sanders reveals he battled high-grade bladder cancer and underwent bladder removal surgery, and is now cancer-free.
Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders revealed he underwent bladder removal surgery earlier this year after being diagnosed with high-grade bladder cancer.
His oncologist has since declared him cancer-free.
The announcement explains Sanders’ reduced public presence in recent months as he quietly battled the aggressive form of cancer.
“We removed the tumor. It was very high-grade and invading through the bladder wall — not into the muscle layer, something we call very high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer,” said Dr. Janet Kukreja, Sanders’ physician, in an interview with CBS News.
Doctors removed Sanders’ bladder and constructed a new one using intestinal tissue. Doctors found no remaining traces of cancer after the operation.
Sanders shared the emotional toll of the diagnosis in a May 9 video published by his team’s media outlet, Well Off Media.
“I don’t know if I’m ready mentally, emotionally,” he said in the clip. “Last night was tough, yesterday was tough, because I had to make a will. That’s not easy at all, to think that you may not be here.”
Sanders later revealed he didn’t tell his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, about the diagnosis at the time, saying, “My sons to this day don’t know what transpired. I just told them it was something with my foot, because I wanted to give them the focus on making the team.”
Despite the ordeal, Sanders remained optimistic and shared periodic updates on social media throughout treatment.
“I ain’t all the way recovered,” Sanders admitted to ESPN. However, his outlook has dramatically improved since completing treatment.
More recently, Sanders posted a positive update online, writing, “Back and Feeling Great!”
Sanders plans to return as Colorado’s head coach for the upcoming season. He enters his third year leading the Buffaloes program after his medical leave.
He will continue to undergo regular medical scans, a standard protocol for bladder cancer patients due to the potential risk of recurrence, according to medical experts.
Sanders’ return comes at a pivotal moment for the Buffaloes, who are looking to build momentum under his leadership while he focuses on making a full recovery.
Sanders, a former Dallas Cowboys star, remains one of Texas’ most recognized sports figures.
Category: General Sports
