Few people genuinely transform the world. But Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs undoubtedly left his mark through products like the iPhone, iPod and Mac.

What many people don't realise is that he revived Apple's fortunes and released some of their biggest products while battling with terminal cancer.

First diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003, the year Apple began selling MP3s on iTunes, Jobs knew for years he had a limited time left.

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Jobs reportedly put off surgery for months despite having a treatable form of pancreatic cancer. He adopted a vegan diet for nine months and underwent acupuncture and other alternative medicine. He eventually agree to have surgery.

After having some of his pancreas and some tumours removed, Jobs threw himself into his work, with Apple selling more than a billion songs and videos within three years.

In 2007, he launched the iPhone, the first major touchscreen smartphone which would pave the way for a complete transformation of the Internet. The product was a massive success but Jobs began to lose a lot of weight in 2008, leading some to speculate that his cancer had returned as he appeared gaunt at public events.

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Jobs underwent a liver transplant before taking further medical leave in 2009, the year which saw the launch of the iPhone 3GS and some major product changes at Apple. He did all of this while fighting his illness.

Jobs took more sick leave in January 2011 before finally stepping down as CEO of Apple, 11 years ago today.

In an email, he told his staff: "I have always said that if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come."

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On October 5 of that year, Jobs died at his home with his family by his side.

Jobs' sister Mona Simpson revealed his final words during the eulogy at his funeral.

She said: "Before embarking, he'd looked at his sister Patty, then for a long time at his children, then at his life's partner, Laurene, then over their shoulder past them.

"Steve's final words were: OH WOW. OH WOW. OH WOW."

Following his resignation, Apple was taken over by Tim Cook, who continues to lead the tech giant to this day.

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