Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs displays a redesigned iPod Nano at Apple's "Let's Rock" media event in San Francisco, California, in this September 9, 2008 file photo.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Jan. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Apple's iconic founder Steve Jobs said he has an easily treated "hormone imbalance" and will remain head of the company.

    Jobs, a pancreatic cancer survivor, said in the statement Monday, "I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple's CEO," breaking his silence about his health for the first time in months.

    The statement followed widespread investor concern about the executive's health, after Jobs decided not to give the keynote speech at Apple product showcase Macworld this week.

    Speculation about his health started in June 2008, when Jobs appeared markedly thinner at an Apple event.

    Jobs acknowledged he had been losing weight throughout 2008 and that his doctors determined "a hormone imbalance that has been 'robbing' me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy."

    He said the remedy for "this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward" and that he has begun treatment.

    Jobs also said he would remain CEO during his recovery and that his doctors expect him to regain his weight by late spring.

    Apple's board released a separate statement, saying, "Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its board."

    Jobs is seen as the driver of Apple's successful products, including Macintosh computers, iPod media players and iPhones.

    (Agencies)