Golfer John Daly Says He’s ‘Feeling Okay’ After Bladder Cancer Treatment; How is This Disease Treated?

Daly says that his cancer was detected early, “which is great. I've had two rounds of chemo, and the last test shows the cancer at the moment is benign. I go back for testing in October, and if it's benign at that point, I go back for testing once a year for five years.”

Daly teed off at the PGA Championship on Kiawah Island, South Carolina Thursday. After winning the major in 1991, Daly now can play in the event every year.  He was very temporarily in the lead in the first round, but things went downhill from there and it’s unlikely he’ll make the cut.

Understanding Bladder Cancer & Its Treatment

Bladder cancer occurs when cells that make up the urinary bladder start growing, and they develop into tumors over time. This disease is the fourth most common cancer among men. One of the leading causes of bladder cancer is smoking smokers are three times more likely to be diagnosed with this disease than non-smokers.

Related: May is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month; Jack Lemmon & Others Have Battled This Disease

Daly chose chemotherapy to treat his cancer, but he’s said there an 85% chance of recurrence. Surgery is typically the most common treatment path for bladder cancer. However, up to 70% of people diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer may not be able to have the cancer fully removed from surgery, and not everyone is eligible for chemotherapy. In those cases, immunotherapy is a viable option.

Which Bladder Cancer Patients Could Benefit the Most From Immunotherapy?

Focusing on the Good Amid Cancer

Battling cancer during a pandemic, no less is a big feat that can feel overwhelming, even under the best of circumstances. Focusing on the good while fighting cancer, and keeping a positive attitude like Daly does, may improve cancer outcomes.

In an earlier interview, colorectal surgeon Dr. Zuri Murrell explains the link between a good outlook and cancer outcomes. He says, “My patients who thrive, even with stage 4 cancer, from the time that they, about a month after they’re diagnosed, I kind of am pretty good at seeing who is going to be OK. Now doesn’t that mean I’m good at saying that the cancer won’t grow.”

“But I’m pretty good at telling what kind of patient are going to still have this attitude and probably going to live the longest, even with bad, bad disease,” says Dr. Murrell. “And those are patients who, they have gratitude in life.”

Stay Positive, It Matters

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