From Diagnosis to Remission: A Five-Year Case Study of a Female Collegiate Athlete’s Battle with Leukemia

This case follows a female collegiate basketball player who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). This five-year study explores the unique aspects of this subject’s case by examining each characteristic of her journey from initial diagnosis as an undergraduate freshman through treatment and into remission by her senior year. Participation in collegiate athletics was identified for its positive influence in serving as a modality to overcome this oncologic condition that affected the mental, physical and emotional state of the athlete. The first part of this study examines the subject’s battle with cancer uniquely occurring over her five years of undergraduate study. Following the case report, the physical effects of cancer on the body are discussed as well as the benefits of exercise for cancer patients. To conclude the discussion, the psychological implications of cancer and tools used to combat the negative consequences on the mind are reviewed. This study concludes that physical activity in conjunction with the integration of support from her collegiate basketball team contributed to the positive outcomes of the subject’s psychological and physical well-being.