Sanders’ doctor said a mass was found in his bladder and the doctors decided to remove the bladder, which cured the cancer.
BOULDER, Colo. — Dallas Cowboys legend and current University of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was diagnosed with bladder cancer this year, but his condition was cured after getting his bladder removed, his doctors said at a press conference Monday.
Sanders revealed the health battle at a press conference alongside medical representatives from CU Anschutz Medical Campus and UCHealth.
“This wasn’t easy,” Sanders said. “Men, everybody, get checked out.”
The cancer was discovered after Sanders was getting routine vascular testing for his circulation issues he’s battled over the last several years.
Sanders’ doctor said a cancerous tumor was found in his bladder and the doctors decided to remove the bladder, which cured the cancer.
Dr. Janet Kukreja, who described the tumor as “very aggressive,” said Sanders’ cancer had a high recurrence rate if treated within the bladder and that would have required extensive treatment for several years. Instead, Sanders decided on the more curative bladder removal option.
Kukreja said the procedure was done robotically and that his lymph nodes were also tested. The lymph nodes did not show any cancer. After the removal, Kukreja said doctors essentially built him a new bladder from his existing intestines.
Watch Sanders’ full press conference here:
Sanders was emotional at times during his press conference Monday, but he was also his outgoing, optimistic self, wearing overalls and a cowboy hat. And he was adamant that people get checked out by doctors like he did.
“We’re helping some folks today,” Sanders said. “If it can happen to Prime, baby, it can happen to you.”
Sanders said he kept the diagnosis very private, not telling his team throughout the battle or his sons, Shedeur and Shilo, who were preparing for the NFL Draft as he was prepping for surgery.
“This was not an easy task,” Sanders said. “I trusted and believed in [his doctors] 100%… the process wasn’t easy.”
Sanders said the biggest lingering side effect from the cancer has been frequent urination, a subject he was lighthearted about in the press conference but emphasized was a real issue he’s dealing with. In fact, he said, don’t be surprised to see a Port-a-Potty on the sidelines at Colorado games this fall.
“I can’t pee like I used to,” Sanders said with a laugh. “I depend on Depend… like my grandson, we’re going through the same thing.”
Sanders had been dealing with a reported undisclosed health issue that kept him away from the team this summer, according to USA Today. However, Sanders attended Big 12 Media Days in Frisco earlier this month and dismissed questions about his health, saying, “I’m living lovely.”
“God has truly blessed me,” Sanders said earlier this month. “Not a care in the world.”
Sanders has brought life to the dormant Colorado football program, stunning TCU in his first game in 2023 and leading the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record last year. Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter was a Heisman finalist in 2024 and was selected second overall in this year’s draft. Sanders’ son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was also an NFL Draft pick after a strong 2024 campaign.
Sanders has dealt with health problems in recent years, most notably in 2022 when he had to have multiple toes amputated due to blood flow problems in his legs. Sanders recovered and was able to coach each of the last three seasons without issue, aside from using a push scooter during his initial recovery.
What is bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that begins in the cells of the bladder, according to the Mayo Clinic. When diagnosed at an early stage, most bladder cancers are highly treatable, the Mayo Clinic says. Symptoms can include blood in the urine, frequent urination, painful urination and back pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.