Steve Jobs speaks on personal health
updated 10:10 am EDT, Mon July 28, 2008
Jobs on personal health
Steve Jobs has not had a recurrence of his pancreatic cancer, writes the New York Times. In speaking with the Apple CEO via phone, the newspaper says it has learned more about Jobs' medical problems, which were previously described as "a private matter" during a recent third-quarter earnings call. Concerns over a gaunt appearance are said to have aided in a brief stock slide at the time; more recently, though, third-party sources are said to have downplayed any talk of cancer.
The Times now writes that Jobs himself has echoed these statements, although no specifics are available, due to a demand for speaking off the record. Jobs' condition is said to be "a good deal more than 'a common bug,'" according to the paper, but not a risk to his life, or any return of cancer.
The health of Jobs is generally considered vital to Apple, as he dictates many of the priorities and approaches the company uses for its products. Should Jobs die or otherwise leave his duties, Apple stock could plummet as much as 25 percent, the Times suggests.
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private
Apparently Jobs has realized his health is a matter of concern for investors, which it is (more so than some CEOs, less for others - if people found out Ballmer's in great health, MS stock would plummet!).
However, as for this:
which were previously described as "a private matter"
It is a private matter. I believe HIPPA regulations prevent the dissemination of personal health info without explicit permission (and it may not have come up beforehand for Steve to give that permission for the conf. call).
Even the President of the US has to give his permission to have his medical reports released.