Deion Sanders Undergoes Bladder Removal Surgery After High-Risk Cancer Diagnosis

Corey Dion Lewis

Jul 29, 2025

min read

Key Takeaways

Deion Sanders was diagnosed with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer earlier in 2025.
He underwent a successful bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) and is now considered cancer-free.
Sanders has gone public about his recovery and the need to destigmatize incontinence and cancer care.
His case underscores the importance of early detection and follow-up care, especially in Black men.

What Happened?

In May 2025, Deion Sanders had his bladder surgically removed after being diagnosed with a high-risk, aggressive form of bladder cancer. The cancer was detected during routine testing tied to his previous vascular complications. According to his medical team, the surgery was successful, and Sanders is currently cancer-free.

His decision to speak openly about the diagnosis, surgery, and side effects has brought national attention to a disease that is often overlooked—especially among men and particularly within the Black community.

What Kind of Cancer Was It?

Sanders was diagnosed with high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This form of cancer is located in the bladder’s inner lining and does not penetrate the muscle layer, but it carries a high risk of recurrence and progression.

Although NMIBC is not classified as muscle-invasive, high-risk subtypes can behave aggressively. Left untreated or inadequately monitored, it can evolve into more advanced disease requiring extensive treatment.

How Was It Detected?

The cancer was discovered incidentally. Sanders had been undergoing follow-up testing for complications related to prior vascular surgeries. He did not present with common symptoms like hematuria (blood in urine), which is a frequent early sign of bladder cancer.

This type of incidental finding is not typical for bladder cancer, but it emphasizes the importance of routine medical monitoring—especially for patients with complex medical histories.

What Treatment Did Sanders Choose?

After weighing his options, Sanders underwent a radical cystectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the bladder. Doctors performed a neobladder reconstruction, creating a new bladder using a portion of his intestine.

The alternative would have involved intravesical therapy—weekly bladder instillations for up to three years. These therapies often use BCG or chemotherapy drugs and come with a significant chance of cancer recurrence. Sanders’ cancer subtype had a recurrence risk of about 50% if treated this way.

Sanders chose surgery to reduce the long-term risks and avoid prolonged therapy.

Life After Bladder Removal

After the surgery, Sanders experienced:

25-pound weight loss
Increased urinary frequency
Dependence on incontinence products
Significant lifestyle adjustments

These outcomes are consistent with patients who undergo neobladder procedures. Although the neobladder aims to preserve more natural urination, patients often experience changes in sensation and control, particularly in the early stages of recovery.

Sanders has openly discussed the need to use the restroom more frequently and his reliance on products like incontinence underwear. He partnered with Depend, an incontinence brand, to help normalize conversations around bladder health and aging.

Sanders’ Message: Get Checked Early

Despite the seriousness of his diagnosis and surgery, Sanders, now 57, has continued in his role as head football coach at the University of Colorado. He says he never considered stepping down and has used his platform to promote early detection and routine health check-ups.

In media interviews and public statements, Sanders urged men—especially Black men—not to delay care.

"If something feels off, go get checked. Don’t play tough. Tough is getting it early, treating it, and living,” Sanders said during a recent press conference.

Understanding Bladder Cancer Risk

According to the American Cancer Society:

Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men.
Over 80,000 new bladder cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. this year.
Men are almost four times more likely than women to develop it.
Smoking is the biggest modifiable risk factor, followed by chemical exposures and chronic bladder inflammation.

Black men, while less likely to be diagnosed than white men, are more likely to die from bladder cancer due to later-stage diagnoses and systemic healthcare barriers.

What Are the Symptoms?

Common bladder cancer symptoms include:

Blood in urine (hematuria), even if occasional or painless
Frequent urination
Pain during urination
Back or pelvic pain

However, early-stage cancer may not cause symptoms, which is why annual physicals and urine tests are important—especially for people with known risk factors.

Treatment Options for High-Risk NMIBC

For high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, the standard options typically include:

Intravesical therapy: A common first-line treatment that includes placing a drug directly into the bladder using a catheter. BCG (a form of immunotherapy) or mitomycin C (chemotherapy) are often used.
Cystectomy: Recommended when the cancer has high potential for recurrence or progression. Removing the bladder can offer a cure but significantly impacts lifestyle.
Close surveillance: Involves frequent cystoscopies, urine tests, and biopsies. This option may work for low-grade tumors but is risky for aggressive forms.

In Sanders’ case, given the aggressive nature of the tumor and likelihood of recurrence, his doctors recommended surgical removal.

Life with a Neobladder

A neobladder is made from a segment of intestine and connected to the urethra. Patients can often void normally, but the process takes retraining the muscles. Incontinence is common, particularly at night.

Recovery may include:

Pelvic floor training
Medications for urinary control
Regular follow-up imaging
Lifestyle adaptations, including diet and fluid intake adjustments

Patients should follow closely with their urologist and oncology team to monitor function and screen for any recurrence.

Mental Health and Masculinity in Cancer Care

Bladder cancer and its treatment can affect mental health, body image, and social confidence. Issues like incontinence and sexual dysfunction are often under-discussed, especially among men.

Sanders’ decision to go public about wearing incontinence products and needing frequent bathroom breaks helps reduce stigma.

His visibility provides representation for men—especially Black men—who may feel isolated or embarrassed by these health changes. This transparency can influence more men to seek care early and follow through with treatment plans.

Addressing Health Disparities

Studies show that Black patients are more likely to face:

Delayed diagnosis
Limited access to specialists
Lower rates of guideline-based treatment
Poorer survival outcomes

These disparities are driven by factors such as systemic racism, lack of insurance, mistrust in healthcare providers, and limited urologic access in some communities.

Sanders’ platform brings attention to the need for culturally responsive care, community engagement, and better screening outreach.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are five ways to reduce your risk of bladder cancer or catch it early:

Quit smoking. Tobacco is responsible for about half of all bladder cancer cases.
Get regular check-ups. Annual urine analysis and physical exams can help detect early warning signs.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids may help flush out potential toxins.
Know your family history. Certain genetic conditions can increase your risk.
Talk about symptoms. Don’t ignore blood in urine or urinary changes. Talk to your provider immediately.

Community Takeaway

Sanders' story is not just about cancer. It is about proactive health, patient empowerment, and the cultural shift needed to make preventive care part of everyday life.

His case shows how celebrities and athletes can use their voices to break silence, especially on topics often considered taboo among men—such as incontinence, surgery side effects, and vulnerability.

Bottom Line

Deion Sanders' high-profile cancer journey highlights the importance of early detection, informed treatment decisions, and honest conversation about health challenges. His openness helps raise awareness for bladder cancer and addresses stigma surrounding male health issues.