Photo: Elías Valverde II / Dallas Morning News Staff Photographer
In a press conference on Monday, Coach Deion Sanders revealed that his bladder had been removed following a diagnosis of bladder cancer earlier this year.
Upbeat as he discussed the steps he had to take after hearing the news, including undergoing surgery and rehab, the NFL Hall of Famer emphasized the importance of regular checkups.
Surrounded by his doctor, Dr. Janet Kukreja, the director of urologic oncology at the CU Cancer Center/UCHealth University of Colorado hospital, and team trainer Lauren Askevold, he spoke candidly about his health, his faith and family, while also joking from time to time.
It was pointed out that once the bladder was removed, doctors checked the lymph nodes to see if the cancer had spread. It did not.
According to the American Cancer Society, bladder cancer symptoms include blood in the urine, (hematuria) is the first sign of bladder cancer. Other signs can occur like changes in bladder habits or symptoms of irritation.
Bladder cancer can sometimes cause changes in urination, such as:
Having to go more often than usual
Pain or burning during urination
Feeling as if you need to go right away, even when your bladder isn’t full
Having trouble going or having a weak urine stream
Having to get up to go many times during the night
However, the aforementioned signs could be the result of another illness which is why it is important to see a doctor.
Saying he is looking forward to joining his team on the field, Sanders said, “I’m built for this!”
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