See James Casey Discuss Colon Cancer Experience On ‘Today’

Trey Anastasio Band saxophonist James Casey appeared on Friday’s episode of NBC morning program Today. James shared his experience battling colon cancer as March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.

Casey was diagnosed with colon cancer following an appearance with Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann’s Billy And The Kids at Red Rocks in July 2021. James then had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a tumor.

“I went from touring around the world to being in the hospital with emergency surgery, almost dying and being told of a different outlook for my life,” James said of the life-changing experience.

After releasing his 2022 debut EP and holiday record A Little Something For Everyone to raise funds to help the unisured get tested for colon cancer, Casey has now teamed up with Today sponsor the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to raise awareness for getting tested.

“The thing about colon cancer is it is preventable,” James said. “It is 100% preventable if you catch it early enough.”

The segment also spotlights Casey’s forthcoming single, “New Bloom,” which arrives on March 14 and is set to land on his debut full-length solo album, The Kaua’i Project, due out on March 21. Casey sings on the track:

• “No matter what problems come your way
• You’ve got today
• And no matter what happens today
• You’ll be ok”

“That is the mantra I’ve had going through this cancer journey,” James said of the “New Bloom” lyrics. “I hope that it speaks to the people, because it spoke to me.”

Watch the Today segment featuring James Casey below: