As we all know it, Steve Jobs is on a medical leave until June, for medical reasons that have not been clearly stated. Last time he gave an update on his health, Jobs said his conditions was more serious than previously thought, and that he needed to take some time off in order to focus on his health. But that’s pretty much all he gave us…and investors too apparently.

 

Asking about Jobs’ health and possible successor yesterday was like talking to a wall, as investors were informed of things they (and the media) already knew about Jobs, nothing new or specific. The members of the board did give reassurances that things are on the right track though. There was also a tone in Tim Cook’s voice that left no doubt Apple could (eventually) do without Jobs.

 

Other than that, investors were reassured that if there was something new to disclose in Jobs’ case, they will be the first to be informed. Furthermore, it appears that a succession plan is also under way (so hearing a few months from now that Jobs’ isn’t coming back as Apple CEO should not be an unexpected surprise).

 

In 2004, Steve Jobs admitted to having pancreatic cancer, a condition for which he underwent a surgical procedure that same year. Fortunately for him, his type of tumor was not the most aggressive and deadly manifestation of pancreatic cancer, and was discovered early.

 

Pancreatic cancer is deadly in 95 percent of cases, and its lack of symptoms greatly contributes to that, since most patients are diagnosed in the late stages of the cancer. Jobs was among the lucky ones to perform a surgery for his condition four years ago, but recent reports indicated that he might be fighting with a recurrence of the disease.

 

One publication even reported at the end of January that Steve Jobs was programmed for surgery, but that rumor proved false. And who can forget last year’s episode, when Bloomberg accidentally published his obituary?  

 

Jobs gave clear indication that things were not OK at the beginning of the year, when he announced he won’t be attending Macworld (even if this was the last Macworld Apple would attend). Later on, he acknowledged having some health issues that needed further monitoring, and that of course gave birth to a lot of speculation on the gravity of his condition, and on the possible recurrence of his cancer.