Abdul-Jabbar Has CML

Abdul-Jabbar has Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML

According to former Los Angeles Lakers player and NBA Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) last December. Known for being a very private person, he decided to go public with the disease to shine a spotlight on CML. In a recent interview with CBS News, he said his intention for sharing his diagnosis with the public was to give a message of hope and that he intends on continuing to live a normal life.

On his Twitter's page, Abdul-Jabbar (@KAJ33) noted:

· I want all of you to be more conscientious about those regular check ups – I really mean that!! It saved my life. #KAJ33 3 days ago

· Your prayers & good wishes really lifts my spirit & helps me understand that I did the right thing by sharing this. Bless you one & all! 3 days ago

· Its hard for me to understand how much support I have received from all my fans since I decided to share my health condition with the public 3 days ago

· In case you haven't seen me talk about my Leukemia http://bit.ly/2mDxhz 3 days ago

What actually is Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)?

According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Community's website, leukemia is a type of cancer. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) is one of four main types of leukemia. CML starts with a change to a single stem cell. Both children and adults can get CML, but most CML patients are adults.

About 5,050 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in 2009. It is estimated that approximately 22,475 people in the United States are living with CML (SEER, National Cancer Institute, 2009). Three new CML drugs (Gleevec®, Sprycel® and Tasinga®) have been approved since 2001. Other new treatments are being studied in clinical trials. Progress toward a cure is under way and the number of people with CML who are living well today is growing.

CML patients have what is called the "Philadelphia Chromosome" (Ph chromosome). Chromosomes are structures in the cells that contain genes. Every cell with a nucleus has chromosomes. Genes give instructions to the cells. The Ph chromosome is made when a piece of chromosome 22 breaks off and attaches to the end of chromosome 9. A piece of chromosome 9 also breaks off and attaches to the end of chromosome 22. The break on chromosome 9 involves a gene called Abl. The break on chromosome 22 involves a gene called Bcr. The Bcr and Abl genes combine to make the CML-causing gene called the Bcr-Abl cancer gene.

                    Phases of CML

There are three phases of CML:

·      The chronic phase

·      The accelerated phase

·      The blast crisis phase

Chronic Phase CML

Most patients are in the chronic phase of the disease when their CML is diagnosed. In this phase, CML symptoms are milder. White cells can still fight infection. Once patients in the chronic phase are treated, they can go back to their usual activities.

Accelerated Phase CML

In the accelerated phase, the patient may develop anemia, the number of white cells may go up or down, or the number of platelets may drop. The number of blast cells may increase and the spleen may swell. People with accelerated-phase CML may feel ill.

Blast Crisis Phase CML

Patients with blast crisis phase CML have an increased number of blast cells in the marrow and blood. The number of red cells and platelets drops. Patients may have infections or bleeding. They may also feel tired and have shortness of breath, stomach pain, or bone pain.