Deion Sanders beats cancer! Colorado coach has bladder removed, declared cancer-free by doctors
Deion Sanders, Colorado's head coach, has revealed his battle with cancer, including undergoing bladder removal surgery earlier this year. Now cancer-free, Sanders remains steadfast in his coaching role, inspiring others facing similar health chal...

Sanders, who is now cancer-free, says he is more determined than ever to continue his journey. Sanders insists that quitting was never an option. Despite setbacks such as weight loss and new physical challenges, he remains dedicated to coaching and inspiring others facing serious health conditions.
How did Deion Sanders discover the cancer?
As Colorado begins fall camp in preparation for the 2025 season, Deion Sanders held a press conference to make the announcement. According to Sanders' physician, Dr. Janet Kukreja, he was "cured" of the cancer after a malignant tumor was discovered and his bladder was removed.
Sanders claimed that doctors gave him a number of options for how to handle the cancer, but that the process wasn't simple.
According to Kukreja, Sanders chose to proceed with the "curative" option of having his bladder removed because the type of cancer he was battling had a high recurrence rate.
As his son, Shedeur Sanders, faced a difficult draft weekend after dropping from a potential first-round NFL Draft pick to the fifth round, Sanders stated that he was aware that he would need surgery to remove the tumor.
According to Colorado assistant athletic trainer Lauren Askevold, Sanders' routine vascular tests were the first step in the cancer discovery process.
What challenges did he face post-surgery?
Deion admitted that he kept his diagnosis hidden from his sons to avoid distracting them from their careers. “They still don’t know the full story,” he revealed, “I just said it was something with my foot.”
Following the vascular testing, his primary care physician called the training staff to arrange a visit with a urologist and diagnose the condition.
After the surgery, Sanders described his experiences and stated that he "can't pee like I used to pee." It's completely different. He also claimed to have once shed twenty-five pounds.
How is he inspiring others through this journey?
Deion Sanders claimed that after receiving his diagnosis, he never considered quitting coaching.
Since 2021, he claimed to have undergone 14 surgeries. Sanders now wants to use his platform to shine a light on others facing similar health battles. He wanted to set an example for those who might be receiving similar cancer diagnoses. He stated that "let's stop being ashamed of it and let's deal with it head on."
“There are a lot of people out there going through this, and they need to see someone still standing.”
Sanders announced on social media that he had just finished writing his will, which prompted his press conference. “You don’t want to leave without having your business in order,” he said.
After going 4-8 in his first season in Boulder, the Buffaloes finished 9-4 in 2024, and Sanders is starting his third season as head coach of Colorado.
Now, with cancer behind him, Sanders is focused on the next chapter, stronger than ever.
FAQs
Is Deion Sanders cancer-free now?
Yes. Sanders' bladder was removed due to cancer, and his doctors declared him cured.
Did Sanders continue coaching while in treatment?
He remained committed to coaching while keeping his diagnosis private, focusing on the team's success.
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