‘Cancer is out’: Former S.C. quarterback shares health update

TAMPA, Fl. - Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia says he is cancer free after surgery, sharing an emotional update on his treatment for stage 4 colorectal cancer.

In a recent social media post, Garcia said doctors removed the cancer with negative margins and that a Signatera blood test came back negative.

“We are completely cancer free. Everything has been taken out with negative margins,” Garcia wrote. “I can’t express my gratitude towards everyone. The constant checking in, thoughts and prayers, support, and donations! It means the world to me and my family.”

In a video shared from the hospital, Garcia said he learned his lung surgery margins were negative and his lymph nodes were clear after Dr. Allen Chudzinski reviewed his pathology results with him.

Garcia said he broke down in tears after hearing the news.

“It’s been a hell of a journey,” he said. “And to go from stage four to, you know, having it all over the place to it could be completely out of my body is just unbelievable.”

Garcia said he was waiting for his lung to heal and hoped to leave the hospital soon. He also said he plans to have his bag reversed on Dec. 8 and that he may undergo additional rounds of chemotherapy.

“Just to make sure this thing is done,” he said.

In September, Garcia said that tumors in his liver and colon had shrunk after chemotherapy and radiation, making him eligible for surgery. He also launched the nonprofit Quarterback Your Health to promote early cancer screening.

Garcia thanked his doctors, hospital team and supporters for helping him through treatment, and said he plans to continue sharing updates and encouraging others to take charge of their health.

“It’s been amazing to see the messages of success stories from others as well as people telling me that I’ve inspired them to quarterback their own health,” he wrote. “That’s why I’ve been so open and vocal about this.”