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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: I have cancer
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NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has announced his diagnosis with blood cancer.
"I have chronic myeloid leukemia," the 62-year-old Hall-of-Fame basketball player told CNN, revealing that he was first diagnosed nearly a year ago.
The decision to come forward with his illness was based on hopes of helping others similarly struggling with cancer.
"My grandfather died from colorectal cancer, my uncle died from colorectal cancer and my father almost died from colorectal cancer," Abdul-Jabbar says
"I think it's possible for someone in my position to help save lives."
Although the NBA great has not revealed his prognosis, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is undergoing the care needed to ensure that his quality of live will continue to be largely unaffected by the illness.
During his treatment, however, Abdul-Jabbar admitted being astonished by how many cancer patients do not adequately and consistently take heir medication.
As a result, the former Los Angeles Laker reached out to pharmaceutical company Novartis to help orchestrate a promotional campaign addressing his discovery.
"The message is simple: You have to have the expert advice of a specialist. You have to take your medicine and get your blood analyzed," Abdul-Jabbar said.
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