Former college quarterback Stephen Garcia diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer at 38
Former college football player Stephen Garcia is speaking out about his recent Stage 4 colorectal cancer diagnosis.
After first sharing the news on social media earlier this week, Garcia, who played quarterback for South Carolina from 2008 to 2011, discussed the diagnosis at greater length during a press conference Friday morning, walking through his cancer journey so far and emphasizing the importance of taking preventative measures against the disease.
"It's a hell of a journey," said Garcia, 38, adding, "The doctors that I have and the oncologists, the surgeons that I've met with up to date have been extremely confident. You know, they're like, 'You're a young dude, you're healthy ... you're active.'"
Garcia said he first began experiencing abdominal pain in his left-lower abdomen last July, as well as inconsistent bowel movements. After initially brushing off the symptoms, he said he finally went in for an ultrasound when they did not subside, following encouragement from his wife Masha Garcia.
The ultrasound was followed by an MRI and a colonoscopy, Garcia said, and doctors ultimately discovered the cancer, which had started in the colon and spread to the liver.
"That's where it's at now, and that's the only place it is of as of now, knock on wood," he said.
Garcia said he began chemotherapy this past Wednesday.
Garcia said he wanted to go public with his diagnosis to encourage others to seek medical attention when they undergo concerning symptoms.
"I'm just using this entire thing to try to emphasize people that if they're not feeling 100% if there's anything wrong, to just go get checked out, you know, put your pride aside and just go get checked out," he said.
Garcia said his current treatment plan includes four to six cycles of chemotherapy, followed by radiation and surgery.
"I look at it as just another battle. You know, I'm built for this kind of operation ... it's not going to be easy," he said.
He also emphasized the importance of keeping a positive mindset throughout his treatment.
"We're going to kick this thing in the teeth and knock it out. There is no other option," Garcia said. "There's no other plan B. This is what we're doing, and I have complete faith in the team that I have around me."
He added, "You guys caring and sharing this story is huge for my positive mentality."
Cases of colorectal cancer have risen among younger people under 50 in recent years. One study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2017 reported about a 2.3% increase of rectal cancer cases among people between the age of 40 and 54 since the 1990s and a nearly 1.3% increase of colon cancer cases among the same demographic in that same period.
Garcia played all four seasons at quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks. In 2010, he threw 20 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards.
He spoke Friday about the swell of support he has received from the world of football since revealing his diagnosis, including from his alma mater's athletic program and legends of college football like Clemson coach Dabo Swinney.
Garcia became emotional during the press conference, describing telling his three children the news as "tough."
"It's not easy at all, telling loved ones that you have cancer. Nobody wants to hear that kind of news. But, you know, it is what it is. I've got a very strong family, a big family," he said.
He gave specific recognition to his wife, whom he described as "extremely strong," adding, "It'd be tough to do it without her, that's for damn sure."
