NBA Great Abdul-Jabbar Has Rare Form of Leukemia

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Updated: 8:59 AM Nov 10, 2009 NBA Great Abdul-Jabbar Has Rare Form of Leukemia Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is being treated for a rare form of leukemia. Posted: 6:23 AM Nov 10, 2009 Reporter: AP

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Basketball great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is being treated for a rare form of leukemia, and says his prognosis for a full life is encouraging.

The NBA's all-time leading scorer tells The Associated Press that he was diagnosed last December with chronic myeloid leukemia.

The 62-year-old Abdul-Jabbar says doctors told him he has a "very good" chance of living a full life without making any drastic changes. He is taking an oral medication for the disease.

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.

About 5,000 cases of chronic myeloid leukemia are expected to be diagnosed in the United States this year.

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