Actress Karrueche Tran, 37, the Girlfriend of Football Legend Deion Sanders, 58, Says If She Left Him During Cancer Journey, That’d Be the ‘Easy Way Out’ and That’s Not Who She Is
Actress Karrueche Tran, 37, the Girlfriend of Football Legend Deion Sanders, 58, Says If She Left Him During Cancer Journey, That’d Be the ‘Easy Way Out’ and That’s Not Who She Is
The Emerging Treatments for Bladder Cancer Patients Offering Hope
NFL football legend Deion Sanders, 58, says his girlfriend, actress Karrueche Tran, 37, was a “God‑send” and a source of strength during his bladder cancer treatment, helping him stay positive through appointments, medications, and tough side effects.
Tran stood by him through the hardest moments — including recovery with a urostomy bag — telling Sanders she refused to “take the easy way out.” Caregivers often serve as a steady presence through treatment, appointments, and everyday life.
Researchers are studying whether a new bladder‑instilled immunotherapy (CG0070) can better prevent cancer from coming back after tumor removal compared to simple monitoring.
Doctors hope this approach can help more patients avoid progression to muscle-invasive disease, which often requires much more intensive treatment, including possible bladder removal.
Another major advance involves using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the blood to identify who truly needs extra treatment after surgery and who may safely avoid it, helping personalize care.
“Patients with detectable ctDNA had the greatest benefit from therapy…Those without it may not need more treatment, while those with it may require additional therapy to reach the goal of cure,” Dr. Jorge Garcia, a medical oncologist who specializes in bladder cancer at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, says.
NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, 58, says his girlfriend, actress Karrueche Tran, 37, was nothing short of a God-sent blessing as he fought through bladder cancer.
He says she was a steady source of strength who helped him stay positive through treatment. Having someone close nearby acting as a caregiver can make an overwhelming diagnosis more manageable, from navigating appointments to handling medications and side effects.
Deion Sanders girlfriend Karrueche Tran reveals that Deion said she can leave him after he got cancer last year, but she stayed by his side the whole time ❤️🙏
Sanders revealed his bladder cancer diagnosis in the summer of 2025 and shared that he was already nearing the end of treatment and in remission by July.
In a recent social media video, he and Tran sit side‑by‑side in what appears to be a train car overlooking sunlit scenery. When Sanders asks why she believes God placed her in his life, Tran answers gently: “Because he knew that we needed each other, especially last year,” referencing his cancer journey.
BOULDER, COLORADO – AUGUST 29: Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes walks the field prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field on August 29, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
“He knew that we were able to tackle that together,” she adds.
Sanders recalls telling her she didn’t have to stay and shoulder the emotional weight of his diagnosis.
“I said, you didn’t sign up for this… because this was tough,” he admitted.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 04: Karrueche Tran attends the EBONY Power 100 Gala at The Beverly Hilton on November 04, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for EBONY Media Group)
Tran didn’t waver. “That’s not the kind of person I am. If I had dipped, that would have been taking the easy way out,” she said.
“It was hard and difficult to have to see you go through that, but we made it work.”
Sanders, who began dating actress Tran — known for her standout role in “Claws” — credits her with keeping him grounded and optimistic during some of his hardest moments, including adjusting to a urostomy bag after bladder surgery.
New Bladder Cancer Treatments Potentially Offering Huge Benefits for Patients
Bladder cancer experts are closely watching the PIVOT‑006 trial, which may lead to important changes in care. The study is testing whether a new treatment — a viral‑based immunotherapy called CG0070 — can help prevent bladder cancer from coming back after a tumor is removed with a procedure called TURBT.
WATCH: What is a TURBT Procedure for Bladder Cancer?
Patients in the trial are randomly assigned to receive the treatment or simply be monitored, which is the current standard approach. The main question researchers want to answer is whether this therapy can keep patients cancer-free for longer, while also tracking safety and side effects over time.
“We really want to preserve bladders,” explains Dr. Jorge Garcia, a medical oncologist who specializes in bladder cancer and serves as the Division Chief of Solid Tumor Oncology at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center.
He notes that stopping the cancer from progressing to muscle‑invasive disease is critical, because once it reaches that stage, treatment becomes much more intensive and may involve bladder removal or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
Another major area of progress involves circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) — tiny fragments of cancer DNA that can be detected in the blood.
“Most biomarkers in bladder cancer tell us about risk,” Dr. Garcia says. “With ctDNA, we’re taking it to a different level.”
He points to the phase 3 IMvigor011 trial, where patients were regularly tested for ctDNA after surgery. Those who tested negative were safely monitored without additional treatment. But patients who tested positive — meaning there were signs of microscopic cancer still in the body — were randomly assigned to receive immunotherapy or a placebo.
WATCH: Dr. Gary Steinberg on the Top 3 Advances in Bladder Cancer Care
The results showed that ctDNA‑positive patients benefited significantly from immunotherapy, while ctDNA‑negative patients did very well with observation alone. This suggests that some people may be able to avoid extra treatment, while others who show signs of lingering cancer may need it to improve their chances of a cure.
Although research is ongoing, ctDNA is already starting to help guide real‑world decisions.
“Patients with detectable ctDNA had the greatest benefit from therapy,” Dr. Garcia says.
“Those without it may not need more treatment, while those with it may require additional therapy to reach the goal of cure.”
A cancer diagnosis can bring forth grief, fear, and uncertainty into a relationship. But it doesn’t have to mark the end of connection or hope. Couples who face cancer together often discover new layers of resilience, tenderness, and strength.
Building emotional stability begins with intentional choices:
Speaking with a therapist to unpack feelings
Creating space for open, honest dialogue with your partner
Learning about the diagnosis and treatment side by side
Joining support communities to share and hear lived experiences
The Caregiver’s Role: Love in Action
Becoming a caregiver isn’t just practical—it’s deeply personal. Whether you’re a partner, sibling, parent, friend, or even a child, stepping into this role means embracing both emotional and logistical support. Caregivers often serve as a steady presence through treatment, appointments, and everyday life.
What Caregivers Often Do
Attend appointments and ask key questions
Offer transportation and companionship during treatments
Track side effects, monitor symptoms, and communicate with care teams
Connect with social workers and patient navigators
Help manage daily routines and provide reassurance in difficult moments
Don’t Forget the Caregiver’s Well-being
Caregivers are the backbone of many cancer journeys, but they need care, too. Mental health support, financial guidance, and peer resources are critical. Engaging with social workers or patient advocates can ensure caregivers get the tools they need to stay strong—for their loved one and for themselves.
Understanding How Bladder Cancer Impacts Patients
Your bladder is a hollow, muscular, balloon-shaped organ that expands as it fills with urine, an essential component of your body’s urinary system.
Bladder cancer begins when the cells lining the inside of the bladder start growing uncontrollably and form tumors. “Smoking is a leading risk factor,” with smokers being three times more likely to develop the disease than non-smokers.
Common symptoms of bladder cancer may include:
Frequent urination
Pain or burning during urination
Flank pain (discomfort in the sides of the lower back)
A sudden, urgent need to urinate
Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or cola-colored
Risk Factors for Bladder Cancer
Smoking is one of the most dangerous contributors to bladder cancer. In fact, the National Institutes of Health reports that roughly half of all bladder cancer cases are caused by smoking.
Why? The toxic chemicals in nicotine and other compounds found in cigarettes remain in the bladder for extended periods before being flushed out through urine—giving them more time to damage bladder tissue.
WATCH: Understanding bladder cancer risk factors.
“The first and foremost thing for a healthy bladder is, don’t smoke,” advises Dr. Arjun Balar. “I think that’s an obvious suggestion for a number of reasons. But if we can eliminate cancer risks that are related to smoking, that’s probably the most important thing you can do.”
Tobacco smoke is a toxic mix—the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that it contains over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 70 known to cause cancer. While most often linked to lung cancer, smoking is also a major driver of other cancers, including bladder cancer.
Cigarette smoking is responsible for 80–90% of lung cancer deaths, and smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop or die from lung cancer than non-smokers. Even exposure to second-hand smoke significantly increases risk.
What to Expect from Bladder Cancer Surgery
When bladder cancer is diagnosed, surgery may be recommended to remove the bladder and surrounding cancerous tissue to prevent the disease from spreading. Your treatment path will depend on several factors, including your overall health, the stage and grade of your cancer, and your personal preferences.
Understanding the Surgical Options
Bladder cancer surgery typically involves removing the bladder (a procedure called cystectomy) and nearby tissue. In many cases, a urinary diversion is also needed—this reroutes the flow of urine through a new pathway.
There are two main surgical approaches:
Open Surgery
This traditional method involves a single, large incision from the belly button downward. The surgeon uses their hands to access and remove the bladder directly.
“Open surgery means making a cut on the skin and using our hands to do the operation,” explains Dr. Jay Shah, urologic oncology expert at Stanford Cancer Center.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery
A minimally invasive technique using several small incisions. The surgeon operates robotic instruments to perform the procedure with precision.
“Instead of one big cut, robotic surgery uses keyhole-size incisions and robotic tools,” says Dr. Shah.
Comparing Open vs. Robotic Surgery
Both approaches are effective for bladder cancer that hasn’t spread. The choice often depends on your surgeon’s expertise and your own preferences.
Open Surgery: Pros & Cons
Advantages:
More surgeons are trained in this method
Direct access to the bladder in emergencies
Considerations:
More invasive, with longer recovery
Higher risk of bleeding and infection
Robotic Surgery: Pros & Cons
Advantages:
Less pain and blood loss
Lower infection risk
Shorter hospital stay and recovery
Minimal scarring
Considerations:
Not all surgeons are trained in robotic techniques
May require travel to a specialized center
Slightly higher risk of urinary tract infections
“What matters most is that your surgeon is experienced in the method they recommend,” Dr. Shah emphasizes. “You don’t want robotic surgery from someone who’s only trained in open techniques—or vice versa.”
Urinary Reconstruction & Diversion
If your bladder is removed, your surgeon will create a new way for urine to exit your body. This can be done using a portion of your intestine or an external collection system. These procedures are complex and often performed using open surgery.
Three common options include:
Ileal Conduit: Urine flows through a stoma into an external bag, which is emptied throughout the day.
Indiana Pouch (Cutaneous Continent Reservoir): A pouch made from intestine collects urine internally. A catheter is used to drain it through a stoma.
Orthotopic Neobladder: A new bladder is constructed from intestine and connected to the urethra, allowing urine to exit the body naturally. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your anatomy, health status, and lifestyle.
Making the Right Decision for You
Robotic cystectomy offers benefits like reduced pain and faster recovery, but open surgery may be better suited for complex cases. Studies show that long-term outcomes are similar between the two methods.
The most important factor? Choosing a surgeon who is skilled in the approach they recommend—and who takes the time to understand your needs.
Questions for Your Doctor
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, here are a few questions to help you learn more about your diagnosis and what treatment may look like.
What type and stage of bladder cancer do I have, and how does that guide my treatment options?
What treatments do you recommend for my specific case, and what is the goal of each option? If surgery is a real possibility, how can you help make my recovery easier?
What side effects should I expect from these treatments, and how can they be managed?
How will treatment affect my daily life, including work, energy levels, and bladder function?
What does follow‑up care look like, and how will we monitor for recurrence or progression?
