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During an interview with the Associated Press on Monday, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar revealed that he is being treated for a rare form of leukemia.

Kareem apparently learned of the diagnosis nearly a year ago, but held off on making the news public until now.

"The word 'leukemia' is a very frightening word," he said in a phone interview from New York. "In many instances, it's a killer and it's something that you have to deal with in a very serious and determined way if you're going to beat it."

However, as terrifying as that statement sounds -- and Abdul-Jabbar acknowledged that he has been frightened while dealing with the diagnosis -- the Laker legend has a long-term prognosis that is considered positive, and has apparently responded well to treatment.

Additionally, Jabbar pointed out that he was going public with the diagnosis in order to affect the treatment of the blood cancer, citing the manner in which Magic Johnson assisted public awareness.

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

Jabbar, who is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, learned of the disease when he began having hot flashes last year and was told to have blood work done after expressing concern to his doctor. Jabbar also pointed to his excellent health -- he was one of the first pro athletes to pick up yoga -- as a reason for not only finding the disease but having a shot at beating it.

And that may be the biggest public service he provides throughout this entire health issue -- Jabbar can not only help everyday people (and athletes) learn leukemia awareness, but also how to best deal with leukemia and raise awareness about the disease.