Deion Sanders' cancer and new bladder procedure, explained

This approach has advantages over traditional bladder reconstruction. Since the neobladder is made from the patient's own tissue, it doesn’t trigger immune rejection and doesn't require immunosuppressant drugs. Plastic or synthetic materials can't be used because the urinary system would reject them, leading to complications like bladder stones. Although the reconstructed bladder doesn’t communicate with the brain in the same way as a natural one, patients can train their bodies to manage urination with time and practice.

But, like any procedure, side effects remain. Incontinence is a regular occurrence, especially during sleep. Sanders joked about his reliance on adult diapers while addressing the media on Monday, “Like my one-year-old grandson, I now depend on the Depends.” But his humor and transparency struck a chord with others undergoing similar experiences.

The adult diaper company was pleased to add Sanders as its newest spokesperson. Also, Dr. Max Kates of Johns Hopkins noted that Sanders’ openness during the press conference helped validate patients coping with similar post-surgical realities and men struggling with incontinence. "They both felt completely validated by him," Kates told NPR.

Sanders has endured serious health challenges in recent years, including multiple surgeries for blood clots and the amputation of two toes during his time coaching at Jackson State. Despite these setbacks, he remains determined.

“I’m always positive,” he declared. “I’m back, baby.”

Sanders also used the opportunity to encourage early detection and routine checkups. His tumor was discovered during an annual physical following blood clots. “Please get yourself checked out,” he urged. “If it wasn’t for me getting tested for something else, they wouldn’t have stumbled upon this.”

Sanders kept the details of his condition from his team, but is now back at Colorado as the team opens fall camp. They'll face Georgia Tech in the season opener on August 29 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.