NBA / Nov 10, 2009 / 11:45 am

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Has Leukemia

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Yesterday, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed to the LA Times that he has Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, which is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells. This is news you never like to hear, but Abdul-Jabbar is confident about his long-term prognosis. Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells.

“The word ‘leukemia’ is a very frightening word,” Kareem told the LA Times. “In many instances, it’s a killer and it’s something that you have to deal with in a very serious and determined way if you’re going to beat it.”

Ever since he retired over 20 years ago, Abdul-Jabbar has always taken good care of himself. In the article, he says he’s practiced Yoga and has had regular check ups. He is a special assistant with the Lakers and could be offered a consulting job with the Grizzlies. He doesn’t see the disease slowing him down.

“The fact that you can manage the disease means that you can live your life,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “The fact that you have to go and get your blood analyzed and consult with your doctor might be a minor inconvenience, or you have to take your medication every day. But if you do these things, you can lead a normal live.”

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10 Responses to “Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Has Leukemia”

  1. That's whats up says:

    wow. tough when you hear one of the GOAT’s has something like this.
    If Magic is still good 18 years later with hiv, I can see Kareem dropping skyhooks in the 2025 Legends game.

    Best of luck Kareem

  2. don cannon says:

    dam thats sad to hear….one of the greatest and classiest professional athletes ever….hopefully he bears it

  3. jryu says:

    wish him the best.
    cancer’s a scary mofo…..

  4. Kermit The Washington says:

    Yo, about a month ago, a close friend of mine was diagnosed with this crap. It killed him ONE WEEK LATER. No lie; one day he’s “not feeling right” and then 7 days later he’s dying in the hospital. That mess is crazy. Obviously, my boy’s cancer was verrry aggressive, so I hope Kareem’s isn’t that bad. But either way this is bad news.

  5. ab_40 says:

    wow. his family isn’t gonna read this and he isn’t either but I wish him and his family the best with him and his ailment

  6. jlee9 says:

    Wish Kareem all the best! One of the best, definitely the best center in my opinion, in NBA history. I always saw Kareem as private and reluctant to publicize much about his personal life during his career and I am glad that he is taking his disease in stride and working to make the greater population know and understand this disease.

  7. . says:

    clean this article up dime…typo-mania

  8. Colton says:

    co sign … the typos threw me off. lead a normal live … were we looking for live there or was it life?

  9. P says:

    Get well soon big fella..

  10. LakeShow84 says:

    One of the SMARTEST men to ever play the game PERIOD..

    Wrote some great books for African Americans.. Black Profiles in Courage is a great book for youngsters..

Highschoolhoop
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