Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by

Deion Sanders Health Update: Bladder Cancer and Recovery
Deion Sanders, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, has faced many health rumors in recent years. However, it is important to clarify the truth about his condition. Despite speculation, Sanders does not have a permanent colostomy or urostomy bag.
The real story of Deion Sanders health is his courageous battle with bladder cancer. After undergoing surgery to remove his bladder, doctors created a neobladder using part of his intestine. This innovative medical solution allowed him to maintain a strong quality of life after treatment.
According to Dr. Janet Kukreja from the University of Colorado Cancer Center, Sanders is now considered “cured of bladder cancer. This success story adds to the positive narrative around Deion Sanders health and his resilience both on and off the field.
As he continues leading the Colorado Buffaloes, Deion Sanders health remains a subject of public interest, but the facts show that he is healthy, strong, and focused on his coaching career.
Deion Sanders, a famous NFL player, has faced a health issue that many got wrong. He recently dealt with a big health challenge that was misunderstood. We’ll look into his medical condition, clearing up what really happened.
Many thought Deion Sanders had a colostomy bag. But that’s not true. He actually had surgery for bladder cancer.
The surgery was for bladder cancer. It involved removing his bladder and a special surgery to make a new bladder. This complex surgery is done by a few surgeons in the U.S., including Dr. Janet Kukreja, who led Sanders’ team.

Sanders was diagnosed with bladder cancer and got a detailed treatment plan. An expert and her team used robotic surgery to remove the bladder and make a new one. This shows how advanced medical tech is for treating bladder cancer.
Making a new bladder is a complex task. It helps patients like Sanders have a more normal life after surgery.
Deion Sanders’ story is important. It shows we need to get the facts right about medical issues. By knowing the details of his diagnosis and treatment, we see how far bladder cancer care has come.
Deion Sanders’ health journey, especially with bladder cancer, offers insights into the disease and its treatment. He’s a well-known American football star who has been open about his health struggles. His story gives a unique look at dealing with a serious illness.
Deion Sanders was first diagnosed with bladder cancer. He was treated by a team of experts in urologic oncology. This team helped decide the best treatment for his cancer.
Sanders had major surgery for his cancer. He had his bladder removed and a new one made from his intestine. This complex surgery was key to removing the cancer and helping him urinate normally again.

After surgery, Sanders used drainage bags temporarily. This was to help his body heal after the operation. Many patients with similar surgeries also use these bags.
A big part of Sanders’ treatment was making a neobladder. This is when a part of the intestine is used to make a new bladder. The goal is to make urination easier for patients. Sanders chose this option based on his health and cancer stage.
Here are the key points about Deion Sanders’ health journey:
Deion Sanders’ battle with bladder cancer shows the power of modern medicine and patient strength. His story is an inspiration and a source of knowledge for those facing bladder cancer.
Deion Sanders had to choose from three main treatments for bladder cancer. After removing the bladder, he had to pick a way to manage urine. Dr. Kukreja explained the options: neobladder, urostomy, and Indiana pouch.
Neobladder creation makes a new bladder from the intestine. It lets patients urinate naturally, connected to the urethra. Deion Sanders chose this complex surgery, needing a skilled surgeon like Dr. Kukreja.
The benefits of neobladder creation include:
A urostomy creates a stoma in the abdomen for urine to go into an external bag. It’s for those not suited for neobladder creation.
Key aspects of urostomy include:
The Indiana pouch makes an internal reservoir from the intestine, connected to the urethra or stoma. Patients can catheterize themselves, avoiding an external bag.
Benefits of the Indiana pouch include:
Each urinary diversion method has its pros and cons. The choice depends on health, cancer stage, and personal preferences. Deion Sanders chose neobladder creation based on his health and medical advice.
Deion Sanders’ journey to recovery after his bladder cancer surgery was tough. But his determination was key to his progress. We learn about the healing process after a big surgery from his story.
Right after surgery, Sanders had to get used to new body functions and deal with pain. The first days after surgery are often the hardest. He needed close watch and help from doctors.
He said losing his bladder was a big change. At first, using the bathroom was hard. This tough time was important for his recovery.
During his recovery, Sanders used temporary bags to manage his condition. This was a big change for him. It affected his daily life and how he felt. But, with time and care, he was able to stop using them.
Many patients after similar surgeries use these bags. Sanders’ ability to adjust and move past them shows his strength and the good care he got.
Going back to coaching was a big step for Sanders. Despite the hurdles, he showed great commitment and hard work. His return shows the value of a detailed recovery plan. It includes medical care and support for getting back into daily life and work.
Sanders’ story is an inspiration to many. It shows the power of recovery and the importance of staying positive. As he recovered, Sanders proved that with the right support and attitude, big health challenges can be overcome. He continued to live an active and meaningful life.
It’s important to know about bladder cancer to prevent and catch it early. In the United States, bladder cancer is a big health problem. Many things can increase your chance of getting it.
Every year, a lot of people in the U.S. get diagnosed with bladder cancer. About 84,000 new cases are found each year. This shows how big of a health issue it is. We need to spread the word and take steps to prevent it.
Men are more likely to get bladder cancer than women. Men make up about 63,000 of the 83,000 new cases in the U.S. every year. This means we need to focus more on men when it comes to awareness and screenings.
Smoking is a big risk factor for bladder cancer, linked to about 50% of cases. Other risks include being exposed to certain chemicals, getting older, and having a family history of it. Knowing these risks can help us prevent and catch bladder cancer early.
Some main risk factors for bladder cancer are:
By knowing these stats and risks, we can work better to stop and manage bladder cancer.
Deion Sanders, a famous NFL player, has been in the spotlight over his health. We looked into his medical situation and found he doesn’t have a colostomy bag. Instead, he had advanced treatment for bladder cancer, including a neobladder creation.
This shows the new ways modern urology is treating diseases. Places like the CU Anschutz Medical Campus are leading in bladder cancer treatment. They use the latest robotic surgery and drug therapies.
Liv Hospital is another example of top-notch healthcare, offering the best results through new ideas. Sanders’ health story is a big reminder about bladder cancer. It talks about its risks and the treatments available.
Looking at Deion Sanders’ health, we see the value of top medical places and skilled doctors. For those curious about Deion Sanders’ health, his story shows the progress in medical care. It’s a lesson in the power of early treatment and new treatments for better patient results.
No, Deion Sanders does not have a colostomy bag. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer and had surgery to make a neobladder.
Deion Sanders was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He got treatment, including robotic surgery by Dr. Janet Kukreja.
Deion Sanders had robotic surgery to remove his bladder cancer. A neobladder was created, so he can urinate naturally.
The main treatments for bladder cancer are neobladder creation, urostomy with a permanent bag, and Indiana pouch internal reservoir.
A neobladder is a bladder made from intestine for natural urination. Dr. Janet Kukreja made one for Deion Sanders.
Yes, Deion Sanders used a drainage bag after surgery. It was removed as part of his recovery.
Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking and being male. About 84,000 people get bladder cancer each year in the U.S.
Deion Sanders faced challenges after surgery but recovered well. He returned to his coaching career.
Dr. Janet Kukreja is a skilled surgeon. She performed Deion Sanders’ robotic surgery and neobladder creation, crucial for his treatment.
A colostomy bag collects stool, while a urostomy bag collects urine. Deion Sanders had a neobladder, not a urostomy or colostomy.
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