Former South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis this past May. He has been fighting the disease ever since, and has recently made drastic steps towards winning the battle against it.
In early August, Garcia announced he had taken big steps in the fight against his cancer, announcing that he had completed his rounds of pelvic radiation chemotherapy. Now, in late September, Garcia has returned home after undergoing surgery to remove the remaining cancer cells within his liver.
According to Garcia's wife, Masha, the surgery was successful in removing the remaining cancer from his body.
"The surgical team confirmed that they achieved a complete resection," Masha said via Greenville Online. "Successfully removing the cancer and leaving him with No Evidence of Disease."
This week, Garcia was finally able to return home after his surgery:
He’s out of there! @StephenGarcia pic.twitter.com/53w1tqNVM5
— Famously Garnet Sports (@FamouslyGarnet) September 29, 2026
Garcia, who is just 38 years old, has three children, and was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer in May.
Colon cancer has seen a concerning sharp rise among younger adults in recent years. The Cancer Research Institute recently stated that 1 in 5 diagnoses of colon cancer occurs in those under the age of 55 in 2026. He has used his platform and diagnosis to encourage awareness and education regarding colon cancer.
He started a foundation called "Quarterback Your Health" that helps fund cancer screenings to prevent surprise diagnoses like his.
"Quarterback Your Health funds colorectal cancer screenings for uninsured and at‑risk individuals across Tampa Bay" the foundation's site reads. Including the many who fall outside standard screening guidelines, and the many more who delay it, avoid it, or never get the chance. Removing that barrier is how we save lives."
The former South Carolina quarterback played under Steve Spurrier from 2008-2011. His best season was in 2010, when he threw for a career-high 3,059 yards with 20 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Garcia is credited with leading South Carolina with a shocking 35-21 over then-No. 1 Alabama that season. He threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.
Congrats to Garcia on the progress against his cancer, and welcome home!
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