Washington: Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen was diagnosed earlier this month with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The news was disclosed by his sister, Jody Allen, in an e-mail to employees of Vulcan, Allen’s holding company.
The cancer is similar to one Allen suffered from that lead to his retirement from Microsoft in 1983.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer that occurs in the cells of the immune system.
Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, becomes abnormal, and multiply rapidly. Because these abnormal cells don’t die when they should the body is less protected from infection and disease.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur at any age. Nearly 66,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with this form of cancer.
Allen, who is 56, is on a bit of an unlucky streak.
News of his cancer follows close on the heels of a bout with heart disease, which required a heart-value replacement.
Allen is currently undergoing chemotherapy. According to his sister: "Paul is feeling OK and remains upbeat. He continues to work and he has no plans to change his role at Vulcan. His health comes first, though, and we`ll be sure that nothing intrudes on that."
Bureau Report
