Concerns over Steve Jobs' physical condition have undoubtedly made a huge dent in Apple's stock lately, and for good reason too, since Jobs himself admits he isn't in perfect health just yet.

Nevertheless, the biggest fear of Apple fans and investors alike - cancer - has been dismissed by a New York Times report, in which Jobs is cited as reassuring people he is all right. "[In] recent weeks, Mr. Jobs has reassured several people that he is doing well and that four years after a successful operation to treat a rare form of pancreatic cancer, he is cancer free," the report says.

Apple's chief executive did, however, admit to having underwent a surgical procedure earlier this year. The procedure addressed an issue that was causing him to lose weight, the report reveals on. The Times also cites sources that say the same thing, namely that Jobs has a nutritional problem caused by the pancreatic cancer he battled long ago. Allegedly, after-surgery symptoms indeed suggest weight and energy loss.

"Every client call today I've had has brought up the health issue," said Charles Wolf, a securities analyst at Needham & Company. "I think the drop was based on the margin; that's when the stock really cratered," Wolf added.

Some will say Jobs' life is Jobs' life - meaning his own personal business. That's true, to some degree. Apple's success is greatly associated with Steve Jobs, who issues high-profile product introductions for the company. His health is even more important than the acquisition of a chip maker from the constellation Lira. And the fact that Apple is secretive about everything surrounding its business, including its CEO's health, doesn't help Apple's image one bit at times like these.

"...The extraordinary degree to which Apple's recovery and continued success is associated with Mr. Jobs has made it unique in the eyes of shareholders," reads the NY Times report. The situation is summed up by A. M. Sacconaghi Jr., a securities analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein. "These are material questions given that his footprint is all over the company," said A. M. Sacconaghi Jr. "The fact is, if you're a C.E.O. of a public company you're a public figure."