clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

BYU Head Coach Dave Rose Undergoes Surgery

Dave Rose was diagnosed with cancer back in 2009. He's a survivor but he's not in the clear, as surgery Monday revealed.

By Will Maupin
Jamie Rhodes-US PRESSWIRE

According to a release by BYU, head basketball coach Dave Rose underwent surgery Monday to remove cancerous spots related to his pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor cancer first diagnosed in 2009. The story was first announced by Greg Wrubell of KSL:

Rose has been receiving cancer screenings every six months since he was diagnosed during the 2009 offseason. The surgery Monday was targeted at removing the spots noticed during his most recent examination.

Dr. Courtney Scaife, who performed the surgery at Huntsman Cancer Hospital in Salt Lake City, said, "The surgery went well. I expect him to make a full recovery."

Rose is on track to be ready for the first practice of the Cougars' season on October 7. This is not the first time he's recovered in time for the start of the season.

Back in June 2009, while returning with his family from a Disneyland vacation, Rose began feeling lightheaded. The trip back to Provo made it only as far as Las Vegas, where emergency hospitalization shed light on a tumor that was causing internal bleeding. Doctors removed his spleen and part of his pancreas. While in Las Vegas he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

After his initial surgery and recovery, Rose was transported to the Huntsman Cancer Hospital where a more thorough look revealed he was dealing with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

Only 1 to 2 percent of all pancreatic cancer cases involve a neuroendocrine tumor, while pancreatic cancer itself is one of the more common forms of cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

The Cougars, with a highly touted recruiting class and the return of Tyler Haws (21.7ppg), have the look of an NCAA Tournament team this year. Entering their third season in the West Coast Conference, this could be the first year they manage to get past Gonzaga and Saint Mary's.

If you've got six minutes, take a look at this story aired before the BYU vs. Florida State game from this past season.


More From Mid-Major Madness