Jason Collins, who played in the NBA for 13 years across six teams, revealed on Thursday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer, specifically glioblastoma—a highly aggressive and fast-spreading type of brain tumor. In an open letter published by ESPN, Collins described the symptoms that led to his diagnosis, including difficulty concentrating, brain fog, and poor short-term memory. A CT scan at UCLA confirmed the presence of the tumor.
Collins explained that glioblastoma is particularly dangerous because it grows in the restricted space of the skull and aggressively invades the brain’s frontal lobe, which is crucial to personal identity. The NBA had previously issued a vague statement about Collins undergoing treatment to protect his family’s privacy. Now, Collins is sharing his experience to help others facing the same diagnosis.
Reflecting on his grandmother’s battle with stage 4 stomach cancer, Collins stated he isn’t afraid to speak openly about having cancer and is determined to fight it, just as she did. He is currently receiving radiation therapy in Singapore to slow the tumor’s growth, along with targeted chemotherapy. His goal is to hold off tumor progression until a personalized immunotherapy becomes available, hoping to remain healthy enough for treatment.
Collins made history in 2013 as the first openly gay NBA player, paving the way for future athletes. Now, by sharing his brain cancer journey, he hopes to offer support and inspiration to others. He remarked that living openly helped others after his coming out, and he hopes this approach will continue to make a positive impact.
Fan Take: This news deeply resonates with basketball fans as it highlights Jason Collins’ incredible courage, both on and off the court, facing one of life’s toughest battles. His openness and determination to fight this illness exemplify the resilience athletes inspire, reminding us all of the human side of professional sports.
