Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says he went for tests last year after getting hot flashes and sweats on a regular basis. He says he's speaking out now to help raise awareness about the blood cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia and how it doesn't have to be a death sentence.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 62, is a retired basketball player who had a 20-year professional career in the NBA, from 1969 to 1989. He scored the highest points total of any player in league history (38,387), in addition to winning a record six Most Valuable Player Awards and six NBA championships.
An article on People.com stated that NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar didn't have to look far for advice after he was diagnosed with leukemia. His middle son, Amir, 28, is a third-year medical student in San Francisco.
"He was a real great source for me, just that I can talk to him about it. Being a doctor, he understood what was happening, and gave me realistic viewpoint on it ... that means a lot to me."
A Lakers special assistant coach, Abdul-Jabbar informed very few people when he was diagnosed last December.
Abdul-Jabbar's physician told him that he has the type of leukemia that can be managed. He is very positive about his prognosis. Kareem takes a pill that targets the abnormal protein, known as Bcr-Abl, which causes his leukemia. He also sees his doctor regularly for blood work.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, typically known as a very private person, is sharing his story with others to raise awareness. On his Facebook page Abdul-Jabbar is listed as a "CML Patient and Advocate" and writes:
"Last year, I was diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML), which is a deadly type of blood cancer. By working closely with my doctor, I was diagnosed early and immediately prescribed an FDA-approved treatment targeting the cause of my disease, the abnormal protein called Bcr-Abl. I am happy to say that I am responding well to treatment and looking forward to the future.
My goal now is to inspire fellow patients with Ph+ CML to work closely with their doctors and take the steps needed to actively manage their disease for the best possible outcomes. Do everything in your power to get healthy – take your medicine, get your blood levels tested to know your response to treatment, and see your doctor regularly."
About 5,000 cases of CML are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society said. More than 22,000 people are living in the US with the disease.
Chronic myeloid leukemia occurs in all age groups, but most commonly in the middle-aged and elderly.
You can read more about NBA basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's dedication to spreading the word about Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia on his Facebook page.
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Posted November 11th, 2009 by Cheryl Phillips
