Bladder cancer explained: Symptoms, causes, and recovery as Deion Sanders reveals diagnosis
Since 2021, he has undergone 14 surgeries, with the latest one being among the most difficult, per ESPN. Sanders said he was cancer-free after the surgery, but still faces post-operative challenges like urinary incontinence. He said many deal with it, but few talk about it. 'Let's stop being ashamed of it, and let's deal with it head-on,' he said during the press conference.
Also read: Will Deion Sanders step away from Colorado Buffaloes after cancer battle? Doctors say 'We'll keep him on…'
What is bladder cancer, and common symptoms?
Bladder cancer is a rather rare but serious disease that develops in the lining of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. If diagnosed early, sometimes it is possible to cure this type of cancer; however, about 75 per cent of early-stage cases eventually recur, and therefore constant watch is needed.
Signs of bladder cancer include hematuria, a burning sensation when passing urine, frequent urination, difficulty in urination or a weak urine stream, and persistent bladder infections. Early symptoms are frequently mistaken for something less threatening, which can delay diagnosis, especially in women, the Cleveland Clinic report said.
Who is more prone to contracting bladder cancer?
Bladder cancer is listed as the fourth most common cancer in males, particularly affecting men aged 55 years and above. The Cleveland Clinic report further said that white men are twice as likely to be diagnosed with bladder cancer when compared to men of African descent. Some key reasons that might cause bladder cancer include: smoking, prolonged bladder infections, chronic use of catheters, exposure to industrial chemicals such as dyes, rubber, textiles, etc.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Physicians usually resort to tests such as urinalysis, cytology, and cystoscopy to diagnose a person. If the diagnosis is positive for cancer, then it gets staged by other imaging investigations such as MRI, CT, and even bone scans.
Treatment options for bladder cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy such as BCG or PD L-1 inhibitors, or targeted therapy, depending on genetic mutations. Treatment can also include surgery, depending on severity, including TURBT for early cases or radical cystectomy for invasive cancers.
Prognosis and outlook for bladder cancer
Bladder cancer can be fatal if untreated because it metastasizes into different parts of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment greatly increase the survival rate, with a 96% five-year survival rate after diagnosis in early stages.
For those who have been diagnosed, it is self-care that becomes top priority; regular checkups, eating a heart-healthy and high-fibre diet, engaging in bodily exercises, and reaching out to supportive networks. For a select population, it might also mean going through surgery with urinary diversion and then adjusting to a different way of managing urine, according to another report from Cancer Research.
FAQs
Q: Is bladder cancer fatal?
A: If left untreated, bladder cancer can spread and become life-threatening. Early treatment greatly improves survival rates.
Q: What was Deion Sanders' treatment for bladder cancer?
A: Sanders underwent complete bladder removal surgery and is now cancer-free.
Q: What causes bladder cancer?
A: Risk factors include smoking, exposure to industrial chemicals, chronic bladder infections, and certain cancer treatments.
Q: What is the first symptom of bladder cancer?
A: Blood in the urine (hematuria), either visible or microscopic, is usually the first sign.
Q: Is Deion Sanders still coaching?
A: Yes. Despite his health challenges, Sanders remains active and is continuing his coaching career at the University of Colorado.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
7 science-backed health benefits of Moringa you should know
Image credits: Getty Images Nature, verified by science for human health, can do miracles, as the two have been partnering with each other for years. One such natural element that even science attests is effective for health is Moringa. Also known as Miracle tree, the plant is a short-lived, fast-growing tree widely cultivated in India and parts of Asia, Africa and Central and South America. In the form of fresh leaves, powder, capsules and oil, moringa is used as a medicinal herb by people across the world. From anti-oxidant properties to liver protection, below are 7 science-backed health benefits of consuming Moringa. Nutrient powerhouse Image credits: Getty Images Moringa is described as a "superfood" due to its high quantity of vitamins and minerals. Its leaves have 18.9 mg Vitamin A per 100 g, it has seven times more Vitamin C than oranges and has 17.3 mg of the nutrient per 100 g, 20.5 mg Vitamin B per 100 g, 28.2 mg iron per 100 g, 2,003 mg calcium per 100 g, 204 mg potassium per 100 g, 368 mg magnesium per 100 g and 3.29 mg zinc per 100 mg, according to a review article published in the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health. Anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity The presence of bioactive compounds such as glycosylates, flavonoids, isothiocyanates and thiocarbamates makes Moringa a highly effective antioxidant. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Additionally, its parts such as leaf, pods, flowers and roots have active compounds such as tannins, phenols, flavonoids, vanillin and moringin, known to have anti-inflammatory properties, as per the National Library of Medicine. Both of these help neutralise free radicals, reduce cellular damage and lower chronic inflammation. Lowering blood glucose levels Image credits: Getty Images Moringa leaves proved to have excellent results in the glucose tolerance of Wistar and Goto-Kakizaki rats. The aqueous extract in it has anti-diabetic effects that control blood glucose levels, protein, sugar and haemoglobin. Its leaves are known to lower glucose levels within three hours of intake. Improves heart health The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Moringa have cardioprotective effects. It improves levels of enzymes such as SOD, catalase and more. In hypertensive rats, the leaves of the plant lowered cholesterol levels as well. Liver-protective effects Image credits: Getty Images Quercetin in the flowers of the plants is known to have protective effects on the liver. The methanolic extract also presented changes in hepato-renal and haematological profiles. Consuming moringa extract for 21 days regularly was proven to significantly reduce liver injury due to various flavonoids present in it. Weight loss In a study, eating moringa leaf powder for 49 days significantly reduced body mass index in rats suffering from hypercholesterolemia. This was because the powder reduced the expression of hormones such as resistin and leptin and improved the body's lipid profile by reducing body weight. Digestive properties Image credits: Getty Images Moringa extract is proven to reduce free radicals and neutralise the acidic effects of gastric juice. It also prevents the formation of gastric ulcers by increasing capillary resistance and improving microcirculation, leading to less cell injury.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
6 health benefits of pine nuts: Know its nutritional compounds and safety tips
Pine nuts, also known as chilgoza, are nutrient-dense edible seeds that deliver not only rich, buttery flavor but also a host of health benefits. Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, plant-based protein, fibre, and essential minerals like magnesium, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin K, they support overall well-being. Emerging evidence suggests pine nuts may help ease inflammation and joint discomfort, making them a beneficial addition for people with arthritis. In traditional remedies, pine nuts are valued for its natural anti-inflammatory properties. Incorporating pine nuts into your diet may promote heart health, blood sugar control, improved cognition, and even joint wellness, all while offering delicious macro- and micro-nutrient support. Why pine nuts are a superfood: From arthritis relief to immunity boost 1. Arthritis relief and anti‑inflammatory benefits Pine nuts contain pinolenic acid and antioxidants, such as vitamin E and polyphenols, that help reduce inflammation and joint pain, potentially easing arthritis symptoms. Traditional medicine and preliminary studies suggest symptom relief and improved joint mobility with regular consumption of nuts rich in anti‑inflammatory compounds. Their magnesium and zinc content also supports immune modulation and connective tissue health. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola 2. Heart health and cholesterol control The unsaturated fats and pinolenic acid in pine nuts help: Lower LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides Increase HDL (good cholesterol) Eating 3 servings of pine nuts per week may support cardiovascular health through improved lipid metabolism and antioxidant protection 3. Blood sugar regulation and weight management High fibre, protein, and magnesium content help stabilize blood glucose, enhance insulin sensitivity, and promote fullness. The special acid pinolenic acid stimulates hunger-suppressing hormones, such as GLP‑1, helping curb appetite and support weight management 4. Brain, skin and bone support 5. Digestive and immune health Dietary fibre in pine nuts supports gut motility, eases constipation, and promotes microbiome balance. Minerals like zinc, copper, and manganese bolster immune defense and reduce oxidative damage system-wide 6. Eye health Pine nuts contain lutein, a powerful carotenoid that helps protect the eyes from oxidative stress and harmful blue light. Regular intake may lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and support overall visual health as you age. Why pine nuts are so healthy: Nutritional compounds Pine nuts are rich in: Healthy fats: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (including omega‑6 pinolenic acid) that support heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL levels Protein & fiber: Help with satiety, weight control, stable blood sugar, and digestive health Essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin E, vitamin K, B‑complex vitamins, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper, supporting immunity, bone strength, skin health, and metabolic function Potential downsides and safety tips Pine mouth syndrome: A rare condition causing temporary metallic or bitter taste lasting up to two weeks in some individuals after consumption Allergies: Nut allergies may trigger hives, swelling, vomiting, or even anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals, exercise caution if you have known nut sensitivities Calorie density: Due to their high fat content, moderate portion sizes are important to avoid excess calorie intake and unwanted weight gain How to incorporate pine nuts into your diet Toast and sprinkle over salads or roasted vegetables Blend into pesto sauces, dressings, or hummus Add to oatmeal, granola, or yogurt parfaits Include in baked goods, cookies, breads, or energy bars Use pine nut oil as a flavourful dressing or cooking oil Also read | Cinnamon vs cardamom: Which spice is healthier and better for your diet, blood sugar and more
The Hindu
11 hours ago
- The Hindu
Why is it becoming harder to lose weight? And should Ozempic step in where willpower fails?
Find it hard to stop at exactly one potato chip or cookie? And why does a bar of chocolate fill you up in ways that fruit cannot, when you are craving a sweet treat on a stressful work day? Going by Food Noise: How weight loss medications & smart nutrition can silence your cravings, a new book by Jack Mosley, which delves into the GLP-1 drug landscape, the reason is more sinister than you think. According to it, the big food industry, which took off around the same time as the Beatles, 'began processing food in clever ways to entice us to buy and eat more,' around then, which in turn led to an acceleration of both their bottom lines and the obesity epidemic. These 'clever concoctions of salt, fat, sugar and carbs that you would not see in 'whole foods' or in nature' are especially hard to resist when they have 'this two-to-one, carbohydrate to fat ratio, which is the same ratio you see in breast milk,' says the Manchester-based 33-year-old, who studied medicine at Newcastle University and holds a Masters of Research in diabetes. This particular ratio, not typically found in most whole foods, 'sends our primitive stone-age brains haywire,' he says, pointing out that while our genes have not changed dramatically over the last few millennia, our food environment has. 'We are adapted for the Savannah and the Stone Age lifestyle, not for our Western diets. Obesity is a clear sign that our hunter-gatherer bodies are struggling,' writes Dr. Mosley in the book. Enter Ozempic Obesity is a complex problem, not simply, as it is often assumed, a behavioural issue stemming from a lack of self-control, gluttony or sheer laziness. 'Willpower is somewhat overrated, and, if you look back at the last sixty years, we've not had a collective collapse of willpower,' he says. Instead, we live in a food environment in which we are surrounded by an abundance of ultraprocessed foods that are designed to be overeaten, leading to persistent food noise, 'your cravings…that voice that tells you to grab the extra slice of cake, crisps or chocolate bar,' says Dr. Mosley. 'So, it is very difficult in today's age to lose weight.' This is where GLP-1 drugs, aka glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, a class of medications primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes, which are now also being used to manage obesity, can help. 'They work on three areas,' he says, listing them out. Firstly, he says, they reduce blood sugar levels, which is why they've been used to treat diabetes for nearly 20 years. They also act on the gut, slowing down your digestive tract and keeping you full longer. 'Thirdly, and this is where they're so interesting and have a big impact on weight loss, they act on the brain, reducing appetite,' he says. Since these drugs, which include Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro and Zepbound, seem to regulate the brain's reward centres and regulate cravings, 'they are so effective at silencing that food noise. That is one of the reasons why people lose a lot of weight,' says Dr. Mosley, who thinks of them as a tool in the toolbox to combat obesity, and not a replacement for other traditional weight-management strategies, such as a healthy diet, hydration, adequate sleep, stress management and exercise. Genesis The idea for Food Noise emerged from a conversation between Dr. Mosley and his mother, Clare Bailey Mosley, while they were travelling on a busy train from Austria to Germany. While not a magic fix, 'these are really powerful drugs', and he also could see how valuable they could be for certain people, he says. He has been closely following GLP-1s and was struck by the lack of information available about them. 'I felt that people should be well-informed about them. So, I kind of said, 'why don't I write a book about it?' 'It is the Wild West out there. I don't think people are provided that much information about how they work, their risks and rewards, their side effects and how to manage them,' he says. Also, because they are expensive and there is such a massive demand for them, 'there are a lot of sharks and cowboys out there who are providing fake GLP-1s as well,' he says. Another concern he has is that, since they're so accessible, they may be misused by people who don't need them: those who are metabolically well with a healthy BMI, trying to drop a few vanity pounds or people with eating disorders for whom 'they could be really, really dangerous.' The Mosley mission Son of the late writer, television presenter and health maverick, Michael Mosley, best known for his frequent forays into self-experimentation and popularising the 5:2 diet, Dr. Jack Mosley admits that his father significantly influenced his interest in metabolic health and weight management. Michael Mosley, who would do all these 'weird whacky things… in the name of science', including ingesting tapeworms, keeping a pet leech and even undergoing a colonoscopy on camera, had also been deeply interested in these new weight loss drugs, he says. 'My dad and I talked about these GLP1s quite substantially. They were clearly going to make a massive impact on the diet and weight loss world, but we also discussed the risks that were emerging,' says Dr. Mosley, adding that carrying his father's legacy forward, 'whether it was helping people reverse Type 2 diabetes, lose weight or even making one or two small changes in their habits', was important to him. 'I wanted to continue this Mosley mission. That has been really important to me in the aftermath of his death.' In addition to offering a nuanced take on these drugs, neither proclaiming them to be a magic bullet nor deriding them as an easy shortcut to weight loss, Food Noise also contains a selection of recipes created by Dr. Mosley's mother, Clare, which appear to be primarily influenced by the Mediterranean diet, 'the most evidence-based dietary pattern in the world,' he says of the diet, which is packed with plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes, some oily fish and plenty of olive oil. 'It is a dietary pattern in that it is good for your health and easier to stick to,' he says.
