As a group with several members who have dealt with serious and/or chronic illnesses including one who has had serious, extreme pancreatic surgery similar to Steve Jobs’ own procedure (his cancer may have been “treatable” but the surgery to do so is still dramatic and the details are enough to turn even tough guys a rather green shade of pale!)…..the Rumors site team has made a point not to fuel unproductive speculation about something that only Mr. Jobs himself could have genuine first-hand knowledge of and which is a highly private, personal and even painful matter. However, on Monday he broke his protracted silence on the much-speculated-upon issue and with limited commentary from our own still-healing editors, here’s the news.

On Monday, Steve Jobs personally and specifically, for the first time since long-running rumors began last year as people became concerned about his gaunt appearance and lowered public profile, addressed questions about his health in a press release meant to clear the air and focus Apple’s presence at Macworld on other matters. Read more