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NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been diagnosed with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia and after keeping the condition under wraps for nearly a year, is speaking out. The condition affects the blood and bone marrow and produces cancerous blood cells.

The 62-year-old admits, “Having lost one of my closest friends to a different, highly aggressive form of leukemia, I knew how serious my diagnosis was. My own life expectancy became a question mark.”

The all-time leading NBA scorer retired in 1989, and continues as a special assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. He received his cancer diagnosis in December 2008 and has been receiving aggressive treatment that targets the abnormal protein that causes CML. He has decided to come forward with his story to help others who might be struggling with their own treatment.

He takes oral medication daily, sees his specialist every other month and must undergo frequent blood draws for analysis and monitoring. He said he expects to lead a healthy life.

A very private person, Kareem was slow to share his diagnosis but has had a change of heart recently, saying, “I’m telling my story to encourage fellow patients to take charge of their health. Work closely with your doctor, monitor your disease and, above all, take your medicine.”