Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Has Leukemia

Legendary former pro basketball player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has leukemia. He was diagnosed in December of 2008. He played 20 seasons in the NBA.

CNN is reporting Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has a gene for colorectal cancer. He lost two relatives to the disease. "I have chronic myeloid leukemia," he said. Abdul-Jabbar won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Milwaukee Bucks. He won three NCAA championships with UCLA in the 1960s. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood. Abdul-Jabbar said he is managing his disease and that it does not impact his life too significantly. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society estimates the five-year survival rate at 44.4 percent. Abdul-Jabbar is going public to help educate people about the disease. He said, "I think it 's possible for someone in my position to help save lives."