Former NBA center Jason Collins spent more than a decade in professional basketball. He also made history in 2013 as the first openly gay active player in a major American men’s professional sports league. In late 2025, Collins publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. He reported that the disease appeared “incredibly fast,” affecting his balance, coordination and cognition. Doctors later discovered a tumor spanning both hemispheres of his brain.

The story surrounding Jason Collins’ brain cancer has also drawn attention to glioblastoma itself, a disease that remains difficult to treat despite major advances in cancer research. Doctors classify glioblastoma as a Grade 4 astrocytoma, meaning it grows rapidly and invades nearby brain tissue. Many patients experience neurological symptoms that can dramatically change daily life within weeks or months.

What’s happening in your body

As explained in the National Library of Medicine, Glioblastoma begins in star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes, which help support nerve cells in the brain. When these cells mutate, they can begin growing uncontrollably and form tumors that invade healthy brain tissue. Unlike some cancers that stay localized, glioblastoma spreads aggressively through the brain, making complete surgical removal extremely difficult.

As the tumor grows, pressure builds inside the skull because the brain has limited space. This pressure can interfere with memory, speech, movement, personality and vision. Some people develop severe headaches, seizures, nausea or confusion. Others may suddenly struggle with balance, concentration or simple tasks.

“About a week before I went into the hospital, I fell upstairs at our house in Los Angeles,” he wrote in an ESPN report from December 2025. “I couldn’t figure out how to get myself up, how to put my knee down and balance to push myself up. I couldn’t do that for some reason. That was very scary.”

Glioblastoma also creates its own blood supply, allowing the cancer to feed itself and continue growing rapidly. Because cancer cells infiltrate healthy tissue like roots spreading through soil, surgeons often cannot remove every cancerous cell without damaging important brain functions.

Common causes of glioblastoma

Doctors still do not know the exact cause of most glioblastoma cases. However, the Mayo Clinic explains that researchers have identified several factors that may increase risk.

Age is one of the biggest factors. Glioblastoma occurs more frequently in older adults, though younger people can also develop it. Men are diagnosed slightly more often than women.

Exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation, particularly radiation directed at the head during earlier medical treatments, may increase risk. Some rare inherited genetic disorders, including Li-Fraumeni syndrome and neurofibromatosis, can also make glioblastoma more likely.

Still, most people diagnosed with glioblastoma have no clear family history or identifiable trigger. Scientists believe the disease often develops through a complicated mix of genetic mutations, environmental exposures and cellular damage that accumulates over time.

Glioblastoma develops when DNA mutations disrupt the normal life cycle of brain cells. Healthy cells grow, divide and die in a controlled pattern. Cancer cells ignore those signals and continue multiplying.

Research from PubMed Central points out that some tumors contain mutations involving genes like EGFR, TP53 and IDH. These genetic abnormalities can influence how quickly the cancer grows and whether treatments work effectively. Collins said doctors described his tumor as “wild type,” meaning it carried especially aggressive mutations that made treatment more difficult. He compared the cancer to the mythical Hydra because it seemed capable of adapting and growing despite therapy.

Scientists also believe inflammation inside the brain environment may help tumors survive. Glioblastoma cells can evade the immune system and resist chemotherapy by altering their molecular behavior over time. Another challenge involves the blood-brain barrier, a protective filter that blocks harmful substances from entering the brain. Unfortunately, this barrier can also prevent cancer drugs from reaching tumors effectively.

Diagnosis and treatment

Doctors diagnose glioblastoma through neurological exams, imaging scans and biopsies. MRI scans often reveal suspicious masses inside the brain, but tissue samples are usually necessary to confirm the exact tumor type.

Once diagnosed, treatment typically combines surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Surgeons try to remove as much of the tumor as safely possible, though complete removal is rare because glioblastoma infiltrates surrounding tissue.

Patients may also receive steroids to reduce swelling and anti-seizure medications to control neurological symptoms. Increasingly, doctors are exploring immunotherapy, targeted therapy and experimental clinical trials aimed at improving survival.

Despite aggressive treatment, glioblastoma remains one of the deadliest cancers. According to the Glioblastoma Research Organization, the median survival rate is 14.6 months after diagnosis, though outcomes vary depending on age, genetics and response to treatment.

Jason Collins was candid about his journey with glioblastoma treatment

Collins shared extensive details about his treatment journey with ESPN. Doctors discovered his tumor after alarming neurological symptoms worsened rapidly. A biopsy confirmed Stage 4 glioblastoma, and physicians determined the tumor had a “butterfly shape,” meaning it had spread across both hemispheres of the brain. Because of its location, doctors considered the tumor unresectable, meaning surgery could not safely remove it completely.

Collins underwent radiation therapy and received Avastin, a drug designed to slow tumor growth by targeting blood vessels that feed cancer cells. He said, “Within days, I started coming out of my fog. They had to wheel me into my first radiation treatment. By the third one, I could walk. By the middle of October, I started to go on short walks around my neighborhood. My husband even gave me back my phone. (Apparently, I was sending very weird text messages and watching mindless TikToks for hours while I was out of it.)”

He also pursued experimental therapies in Singapore involving targeted chemotherapy delivery systems designed to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively. “I’m fortunate to be in a financial position to go wherever in the world I need to go to get treatment. So if what I’m doing doesn’t save me, I feel good thinking that it might help someone else who gets a diagnosis like this one day,” the athlete told ESPN.

Why are so many people getting glioblastoma?

Public awareness surrounding glioblastoma has grown partly because more high-profile people have publicly shared their diagnoses. The conversation intensified again after Jason Collins’ brain cancer became widely discussed following his ESPN interview and subsequent death.

Collins openly discussed the emotional reality of confronting the disease. “I have Stage 4 glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer,” he revealed. Yet he also emphasized resilience, saying, “We aren’t going to sit back and let this cancer kill me without giving it a hell of a fight.”

He compared battling cancer to defending dominant NBA players like Shaquille O’Neal, explaining that athletes learn to confront challenges without panic. Collins’ candor resonated with many patients and families navigating devastating diagnoses of their own.

“Jason Collins’ brain cancer story highlights how glioblastoma remains one of oncology’s greatest challenges.” Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD, tells Blavity Health. “Preventing a brain tumor involves maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious foods and avoiding environmental triggers. Prevention aims to reduce exposure to risks and improve brain stability through a balanced diet, regular physical activity and psychological wellness. However, even with modern medicine, survival rates have improved only modestly over the past several decades.”

What foods should glioblastoma patients avoid?

Nutrition cannot cure glioblastoma, but diet can influence energy levels, inflammation and overall quality of life during treatment. According to The Brain Tumour Charity, patients should focus on balanced meals while limiting foods that may worsen fatigue, nausea or inflammation.

Highly processed foods high in added sugar, sodium and unhealthy fats are often discouraged because they may contribute to inflammation and poor cardiovascular health. Fried foods and greasy meals can also worsen digestive problems during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Doctors and dietitians also recommend caution with unproven “miracle cancer diets” promoted online. Extreme dietary restrictions can lead to dangerous weight loss and malnutrition, especially for patients already coping with aggressive treatment side effects.

Instead, many specialists encourage lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and hydration to support strength during treatment. Because every patient’s condition differs, personalized nutrition guidance from medical professionals remains essential.

When to see a doctor

People should seek medical attention if they experience persistent headaches, unexplained seizures, memory problems, personality changes, vision issues or sudden difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms that worsen quickly deserve immediate evaluation.

Brain tumors can sometimes mimic less serious conditions, but early diagnosis may improve treatment options and symptom management. Any sudden neurological change, particularly confusion or weakness affecting one side of the body, should be treated as a medical emergency.

Bottom line

The public discussion surrounding Jason Collins’ brain cancer has brought renewed awareness to glioblastoma and its devastating impact. Collins approached his diagnosis with honesty and determination, sharing details of his treatment journey while advocating for hope and medical innovation.

Although glioblastoma remains one of the deadliest forms of cancer, researchers continue exploring new therapies aimed at improving survival and quality of life. Collins’ willingness to speak openly about the disease may help future patients feel less isolated while encouraging continued investment in brain cancer research.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Jason Collins come out?

Jason Collins publicly came out in April 2013 through a first-person essay published in Sports Illustrated. He became the first openly gay active player in a major American men’s professional sports league.

What is the life expectancy of a person with stage 4 glioblastoma?

Life expectancy varies depending on age, tumor genetics, treatment response and overall health. However, many patients with Stage 4 glioblastoma survive approximately 11 to 18 months after diagnosis.

Citations

NBA.com. Jason Collins Passes Away Age 47. NBA.com. Published May 12, 2026. https://www.nba.com/news/jason-collins-passes-away-age-47

ESPN. Jason Collins: I Have Stage 4 Glioblastoma. ESPN. Published December 11, 2025. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47266076/jason-collins-stage-4-glioblastoma

The Brain Tumour Charity. Diet and Brain Tumours. The Brain Tumour Charity. https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/health-fitness/diet/

Reuters. Jason Collins, First Openly Gay Active NBA Player, Dies at 47. Reuters. Published May 12, 2026. https://www.reuters.com/sports/former-nba-player-jason-collins-dies-aged-47-after-cancer-battle-2026-05-12/

Sky Sports. Jason Collins Dies Aged 47 After Brain Cancer Battle. Sky Sports. Published May 12, 2026. https://www.skysports.com/nba/news/12040/13543379/jason-collins-nbas-first-openly-gay-player-dies-aged-47-of-brain-cancer-his-impact-and-influence-extended-beyond-basketball

National Library of Medicine. Astrocytoma. StatPearls. Published May 28, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559042/

Mayo Clinic. Glioblastoma. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glioblastoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20569077

Haque A, Banik NL, Ray SK. Molecular Alterations In Glioblastoma: Potential Targets For Immunotherapy. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci. 2011;98:187-234. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4287208/