Technology

Yes, but Jobs had a very rare type of cancer, neuroendocrine. One that was, apparently, much easier to treat because it grows very slowly. He was diagnosed, could have gotten a surgery and dealt with what the doctors called a "shadow" on his pancreas. He decided, instead, that he would opt for more holistic treatments. 9 months later, he opts for modern treatments. At this point it was too late.

Pancreatic cancer survival rate is so low because it's usually caught when things are too late, as there are usually no symptoms when it's treatable. Job's not only had the easier version of pancreatic cancer to deal with, he also caught it at the literal perfect time. The only reason he died was because he decided that he knew better.

He was diagnosed with insulinoma, which unlike other pancreatic cancers, is curable and can be treated with surgery. Doctors recommended an early operation but Mr Jobs could not be persuaded to stop his pursuit of alternative remedies.

Mr Jobs went public about his cancer in 2004 after finally agreeing to surgery that year, by which time the cancer had spread.

He realised the delay had been a mistake and told his biographer Walter Isaacson: "I should have gotten it earlier."

He survived 8 years with it though, whilst refusing normal medical attention. Given that, had he dealt with it in the first or even second year he'd have probably had a good shot at surviving.