Former NFL player Deion Sanders has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, but after undergoing surgery to remove his bladder and having a portion of his intestine rebuilt, he is now considered cured by his doctors. The 57-year-old coach said he plans to return to coaching the Colorado Buffaloes this fall.
Bladder cancer is the 10th leading cause of cancer death in the US, with recent advancements in treatment improving outcomes for those diagnosed. According to the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer can start when cells in the bladder grow out of control and form tumors, often causing blood in the urine or pain while urinating.
While symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain may seem alarming, they can also be caused by other health issues, such as infections or benign tumors. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to get checked out. According to the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer is more common in men, with an estimated 85,000 new cases expected in 2025.
The risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking, working with certain chemicals, and using a urinary catheter for extended periods. Treatment options range from surgery to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. The five-year relative survival rate varies depending on the spread of the cancer, ranging from 72% to 9%.
Sanders’ diagnosis was caught during a precautionary CT scan, which also revealed his history of blood clots in his legs. He is now feeling upbeat and looks forward to returning to coaching this fall.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/bladder-cancer-deion-sanders-colorado-football-71a9aa943017e3a3b0ce2f51bf76ec68