NBA legend Abdul-Jabbar battling cancer

Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has announced that he is battling cancer.

According to BBC News, the 62-year-old was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia around a year ago.

"I've never been a person to share my private life, but I can help save lives. It's incumbent on someone like me to talk about this," he said.

Abdul-Jabbar, who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, added that he had been "scared" by the diagnosis but is hopeful about the treatment.

"There is hope. This condition can be treated," he explained. "You can still live a productive, full life. I'm living proof I can make it."

Abdul-Jabbar retired from the LA Lakers in 1989 at the age of 42 and currently works as the team's assistant coach.