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The social Web has a tendency to fold in on itself. Shortly after the launch of Google Plus, for example, users began to complain that it was only being used to talk about Google Plus. Drew Olanoff, currently the community manager for Get Satisfaction, would prefer that social networks revolved around their people instead of themselves. After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2009, Olanoff built his experience into a Web phenomenon that offered connections, support, and some hopeful levity to people affected by cancer. His work is now bolstered by the launch of a new social network called I Had Cancer, which has created an engaging, Web-centric support system for cancer fighters, survivors, and their friends and family.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has just announced that he is taking a medical leave of absence. He will continue as CEO, but will pass day-to-day operations of the company to COO Tim Cook.

This is the email memo that Jobs sent to Apple employees today according to Business Wire.

One of the promises of the cloud is the power to join computing resources to solve the scientific mysteries of our time. On the backdrop of biomedical research, the challenges to join minds and computers together are also immense. Not only is the subject material complicated, it also is sensitive from both a time and privacy point of view. It is critical to get it right as people's lives are at stake, and any new discovery requires comprehensive peer review and an unerring trail of evidence.

With these considerations in mind, the National Cancer Institute has been making significant progress with the caBIG (Cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid) project. It is focused on setting standards for sharing computing resources and data in the effort to cure cancer.

Two years ago, HopeLab released Re-Mission, a shoot 'em up game with a difference in an attempt to help cancer afflicted teenagers stick to their medication. This past August, clinical evidence was published in the medical journal Pediatrics showing the game is a success.

HopeLab, a nonprofit organization founded by Pam Omidyar, was named one of Fast Company magazine's 2009 Social Enterprises of the Year this month for its efforts in improving the health and quality of life of young people with chronic illness.