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Almost a year after being diagnosed, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has announced publicly that he is battling cancer. The NBA legend revealed Tuesday morning that he is suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia.
"Having lost one of my closest friends to a different, highly aggressive form of leukemia, I knew how serious my diagnosis was," Kareem, 62, said. "My own life expectancy became a question mark."
The basketball icon, who is currently a coach with the L.A. Lakers, says he has come forward now about his battle, after being diagnosed last December, in order to raise awareness and urge fellow cancer patients to take better care of themselves.
"I'm telling my story to encourage fellow patients to take charge of their health," he said. "Work closely with your doctor, monitor your disease and, above all, take your medicine."
Kareem is being treated with a medicine that targets the abnormal protein that causes his leukemia. With treatment he is expected to live a full, active life. We wish him the best.
Do you think Kareem did the right thing by going public with his illness? Chime in below!
