Deion Sanders: All you need to know about bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is one of those diseases that often flies under the radar until it’s too late. While it doesn’t make headlines as frequently as breast or prostate cancer, it remains a significant global health challenge. In fact, it is one of the most common cancers of the urinary tract and is especially prevalent among older adults. Recent revelations, like those shared by Colorado football coach and NFL legend Deion Sanders—who survived a private battle with bladder cancer—have reignited public interest in this silent yet deadly disease.

So, what exactly is bladder cancer? Why does it occur? Who is most at risk? And how can early detection and treatment make a difference? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this condition—from warning signs to survival.

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Deion Sanders reveals bladder cancer battle… here’s what you should know

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer starts when cells in the bladder—an organ that stores urine—begin to grow uncontrollably. Most bladder cancers begin in the urothelial cells that line the inside of the bladder. These cancer cells can grow through the layers of the bladder wall and spread to other parts of the body if not detected early.

There are three main types of bladder cancer:

1. Urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma): The most common type in developed countries, affecting the cells that line the inside of the bladder.

   
   
   

2. Squamous cell carcinoma: Often linked to chronic irritation, such as long-term catheter use or infection.

3. Adenocarcinoma: A rare type that begins in mucus-producing glandular cells.

What Causes Bladder Cancer?

The exact cause of bladder cancer is still not fully understood, but several risk factors have been identified:

• Smoking: Cigarette smoke is the leading cause. Smokers are up to 3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers.

• Chemical Exposure: Long-term exposure to certain industrial chemicals, such as those used in dye, rubber, leather, and paint industries, increases risk.

  
  
  

• Chronic bladder inflammation: Frequent infections or long-term use of catheters can raise the risk.

• Radiation and Chemotherapy: Prior treatment for other cancers using radiation therapy or drugs like cyclophosphamide can increase bladder cancer risk.

• Parasitic Infection: In some regions, especially parts of Africa, chronic infection with the parasite Schistosoma haematobium is a known cause.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Bladder cancer tends to affect older adults, particularly those over age 55. It is more common in men than in women, and Caucasians have a higher rate compared to other ethnic groups. Genetics can play a role too, though family history is a less dominant factor than environmental exposure.

Symptoms to Watch For

Early-stage bladder cancer often presents with visible symptoms, the most common being:

• Blood in urine (hematuria): This may be visible to the naked eye or only detectable via lab tests.

• Painful urination

• Frequent urination or urge to urinate

• Lower back pain on one side of the body

These symptoms can easily be mistaken for a urinary tract infection or kidney stone, making it essential to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Tests

If bladder cancer is suspected, a doctor may recommend several tests:

• Urinalysis to detect blood or abnormal cells

• Cystoscopy, a procedure using a thin tube with a camera to view the inside of the bladder

• Biopsy to remove a sample of bladder tissue for lab analysis

• Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, or intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) to visualize the bladder and surrounding organs

Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage and type of bladder cancer. Options include:

1. Surgery:

   • Transurethral resection (TURBT): Removes early-stage tumors.

   • Cystectomy: Partial or total removal of the bladder in more advanced cases.

2. Intravesical Therapy:

   • Directly delivers treatment (e.g., BCG or chemotherapy) into the bladder via a catheter.

3. Systemic Chemotherapy:

   • Used for advanced bladder cancer or before/after surgery.

4. Radiation Therapy:

   • Often combined with chemotherapy for patients who cannot undergo surgery.

5. Immunotherapy:

   • Uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Drugs like Atezolizumab or Pembrolizumab are FDA-approved for bladder cancer.

6. Targeted Therapy:

   • For cancers with specific genetic mutations, targeted drugs may offer new hope.

What About Survival Rates?

Bladder cancer survival rates vary depending on how early the disease is caught:

• Stage 0 (non-invasive): Around 95% 5-year survival rate.

• Stage I (invading the bladder lining): About 88%.

• Stage II–III (invading bladder wall or surrounding tissues): Drops to 46–63%.

• Stage IV (spread to distant organs): Falls to around 15%.

The good news? More than 70% of bladder cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, offering patients a strong chance at remission.

Prevention and Lifestyle Changes

While not all bladder cancers are preventable, you can lower your risk by:

• Quitting smoking

• Avoiding occupational exposure to harmful chemicals

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water

• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

• Managing chronic bladder conditions

Regular checkups, especially for those at high risk, can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.

Living with Bladder Cancer: A Patient’s Perspective

Bladder cancer can be a life-altering diagnosis. Survivors often speak about the emotional toll, especially if a cystectomy (bladder removal) is involved. Patients may need urinary diversions or urostomy bags, which can affect self-image, intimacy, and daily living.

Support groups, therapy, and regular follow-ups become essential parts of life. But many survivors also share stories of resilience, purpose, and gratitude, particularly after successful treatment.

Hope on the Horizon: Research and Innovation

Medical research continues to break new ground in the fight against bladder cancer. Promising areas include:

• Liquid biopsies to detect recurrence from urine samples

• Genomic testing to personalize treatment

• Checkpoint inhibitors and new immunotherapies for advanced cancers

• Artificial intelligence (AI) to improve imaging and diagnosis

Such advances are helping doctors tailor treatments more effectively and increase survival rates across the board.

Bladder cancer may not receive the same attention as other forms of cancer, but it is no less deadly. The key lies in awareness, early detection, and ongoing care. As public figures like Deion Sanders continue to share their private battles, they offer hope—and a vital reminder—to millions that vigilance and medical support can make all the difference.