Is it true that Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has leukemia?
NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has a rare form of leukemia, but the Lakers legend says his long-term prognosis is very good. Abdul-Jabbar, 62, revealed during an interview Monday that he has Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells. The disease was diagnosed in December. But Abdul-Jabbar said his condition can be managed by taking oral medication daily, seeing his specialist every other month and getting his blood analyzed regularly. He said he expects to lead a healthy life. Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged he was scared after visiting his doctor and learning of the diagnosis. “The word ‘leukemia’ is a very frightening word,” he said in a phone interview from New York. “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.” Medical studies have shown that many patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who are
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 62, revealed during an interview Monday that he has Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow that produces cancerous blood cells. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times) * Related * Talk about the Lakers with other fans at our Lakers blog Talk about the Lakers with other fans at our Lakers blog * Graphic: How Philadelphia chromosome forms Graphic: How Philadelphia chromosome forms * Lakers at 50: Best Lakers forwards — Elgin Baylor and James Worthy Lakers at 50: Best Lakers forwards — Elgin Baylor and James Worthy * Video * Lakers at 50 (video): Mike Bresnahan looks at the best Laker forwards * Stories * Lakers at 50: Kobe arrives, but then again he has always been here Lakers at 50: Kobe arrives, but then again he has always been here * Lakers Coach Phil Jackson looking to limit Derek Fisher’s minutes Lakers Coach Phil Jackson looking to limit Derek Fisher’s minutes * Extra work pays off for Lakers’
