During an interview with the Associated Press on Monday, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed that he is being treated for a rare form of leukemia. Kareem apparently learned of the diagnosis nearly a year ago, but held off on making the news public until now.
"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."
However, as terrifying as that statement sounds -- and Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged that he has been frightened while dealing with the diagnosis -- the Laker legend has a long-term prognosis that is considered positive, and has apparently responded well to treatment.
Additionally, Jabbar pointed out that he was going public with the diagnosis in order to affect the treatment of the blood cancer, citing the manner in which Magic Johnson assisted public awareness.
"I've never been a person to share my private life. But I can help save lives," he said at a midtown Manhattan conference room. "It's incumbent on someone like me to talk about this."
Jabbar, who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, learned of the disease when he began having hot flashes last year and was told to have blood work done after expressing concern to his doctor. Jabbar also pointed to his excellent health -- he was one of the first pro athletes to pick up yoga -- as a reason for not only finding the disease but having a shot at beating it.
And that may be the biggest public service he provides throughout this entire health issue -- Jabbar can not only help everyday people (and athletes) learn leukemia awareness, but also how to best deal with leukemia and raise awareness about the disease.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
11-10-2009 @ 8:39AM
goldenruwl said...
Good luck Kareem, win one more game.
Reply
11-10-2009 @ 9:10AM
a4manbob said...
showtime will live forever
and so will kareem
11-10-2009 @ 8:51AM
JUDY said...
I will be praying for you. Stay Strong. Judy in Ohio
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11-12-2009 @ 9:52AM
fangkaishou1 said...
ZZZZZZZZZZZ
11-10-2009 @ 9:09AM
ET HOME said...
I am praying for you Kareem. Stay strong and God bless you for another unselfish move for the betterment of all of us.
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11-10-2009 @ 9:18AM
upchurch81 said...
God Bless you. God will keep you also Kareem. Keep God first in everything you do.
Reply
11-10-2009 @ 9:23AM
jst1674 said...
I wish him the best in this contest against cancer. If anyone can beat it, he can!!
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11-10-2009 @ 9:36AM
Native Son said...
Kareem, when in doubt go to the hoop! Peace and Blesings!!!
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11-10-2009 @ 9:44AM
csnoah1 said...
Good Luck Kareem- you're a good man. Go get 'em.
ps- you went to Power Memorial with my brother Steve.
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11-10-2009 @ 9:49AM
clinttdallas said...
Great player. Simply one of the best. I wonder how many sky hooks a young Kareem could sink over the head of Shaq?
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11-10-2009 @ 9:58AM
LAURA J said...
You are loved Kareem! Remember that!
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11-10-2009 @ 10:03AM
johnshields4 said...
He was my hero. I quietly approached him once, as a wide-eyed kid on vacation, not autograph-hounding, not reaching to grasp his hand, just to share a word with a man I admired beyond measure. I had memorabilia on every wall of my room and untold numbers of books about him and his achievements.
He looked me in the eye & told me to buzz off.
Everything went in the trash when I returned home that summer.
The man is a PR*CK.
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11-10-2009 @ 11:42AM
pscottparker1 said...
I would be interested to know approximately what year this happened, where were you both (e.g., in a restaurant having dinner, etc.) and as best as you can remember, exactly what did he say (i.e., literally "buzz off" or "f*#k off" or what). I am just interested, that's all. It is not inconsistent with my image of Kareem. I have heard that Kareem was a fairly moody player, not very close to his teammates at times, and that this moodiness and aloofness is one of the principle reasons why he has not been offered a coaching or assistant coaching job. I have heard this from people IN the NBA whose names I will not divulge because they told me in confidence (so please don't ask).
11-10-2009 @ 12:33PM
rwdiva32 said...
Puhleeeeze!!!! You know you just made that up.Unfortunately there is always at least one douchebag on every comment board.Buzz Off!!!? When exactly did this incident happen??? 1958??!!!Liar!Liar!Haters on fire!!!....Good Luck and God Bless Kareem!!
11-10-2009 @ 2:16PM
zyberzing said...
liar
11-10-2009 @ 5:51PM
Mike said...
I think it's true what johnshields4 said. If you try to get an autograph for him..he won't. But John you have to realize this guy has cancer..it may not kill him, but for Abdul-Jabbar to speak to the public about this is very cool. Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in the US and will pass heart disease soon as the leading cause. So him trying to save a life is way more important than me or you trying to get his autograph.
11-11-2009 @ 11:22AM
lopjackie21 said...
Man...people just love to HATE...so they make up
a story just so they can have an excuse to say
something bad about somone!!!
YOU SIR ARE NO GENTLEMAN!!!
YOU ARE the PRICK!
11-12-2009 @ 6:44PM
blackjack3612 said...
if u cant say something nice about a person dont say nothing at all. i want to say something to u john but guess what it aint nice. john have a little respect for the man. remember this could have been u with cancer and u wouldnt like it if someone took shots at u. check yourself john boy
11-10-2009 @ 10:08AM
mrosey316 said...
what ever your religious beliefs, doesn't matter. as long as you have faith that does not waver,your higher power will comfort you and your loved ones through this, what ever the outcome may be. be strong in faith and family and you will be blessed! love maryrose
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11-10-2009 @ 10:19AM
The Great Ruben said...
Only in God, is there everlasting life. Embracing a religion that promises virgins for you isn't exactly what God had in mind. Your faith and who you call your father is "specific". Sorry to inform you. I hope beats this but if he doesn't and calls Allah is maker, Kareem has an eternity to think about denouncing God. Thats the way it's written in the good book and that's the way it will always be. :]