On November 11, KBS 2TV’s “Secrets of Celebrity Soldiers” explored the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs’s health battle, highlighting his controversial diet choices and delayed surgery.
Jobs was diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, a type of tumor affecting endocrine and nerve tissues. Unlike the more fatal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors have a five-year survival rate of approximately 96% if treated early. Unfortunately, Jobs’ personal choices limited his options.
He initially refused surgery, instead adopting a strict vegetarian diet, believing it would help eliminate “mucus” in the body—based on a book he admired. Jobs also tried fasting and colon cleansing, practices medical experts warn can be dangerous for patients with severe illnesses.
Medical expert Lee Nak-joon explained that Jobs’ fasting gave temporary feelings of lightness and mental clarity, but weakened his body, making surgery and chemotherapy riskier. Consuming only fruit smoothies was particularly harmful, as high sugar intake feeds cancer cells and strains the pancreas.
Lee Nak-joon emphasized, “Even healthy individuals shouldn’t rely solely on fruit juice. Protein is essential, and giving sugar to someone with pancreatic insufficiency can worsen chronic diseases like diabetes and feed cancer cells.”
By the time Jobs finally agreed to surgery nine months after diagnosis, the tumor had already progressed. His liver was severely affected, and metastasis had occurred. Despite assembling a top-tier medical team and personally selecting treatments, Jobs ultimately passed away on October 5, 2011, at the age of 56, shortly after witnessing his son Reed graduate.
Jobs was also among the first patients to undergo advanced genomic sequencing, which at the time cost over 100 million KRW. Today, similar tests can be conducted for a fraction of that cost. His son Reed continues to work in oncology research and invests in cancer treatment startups.
Steve Jobs’ health journey offers a cautionary tale about balancing personal beliefs with medical advice, highlighting the critical importance of timely intervention for serious illnesses.
Sources: OSEN,KBS 2TV
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