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Patrick Swayze cancer diagnosis

Patrick Swayze Rex Features

American actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his agent has confirmed.

Reports abound that the Dirty Dancing star only has weeks to live, but his doctor has described the rumours as ‘absolutely untrue’.

His doctor, George Fisher, said in a statement: ‘Patrick has a very limited amount of disease and he appears to be responding well to treatment thus far.

‘All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue.’

Swayze, who also starred in the hit film Ghost alongside Demi Moore, was diagnosed with cancer more than a month ago, according to the New York Post, and is currently undergoing treatment while continuing with his film schedule.

Swayze’s agent, Annett Wolf, added: ‘Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects.

‘The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family.’

The 55-year-old Texan-born star has been working on Powder Blue, opposite Jessica Biel, Forest Whitaker, and his younger brother, Don Swayze.

Swayze shot to fame as Johnny Castle in 1987’s Dirty Dancing. In 1990, he made hearts melt in Ghost, and in 1991 he shared the screen with Keanu Reeves in cult surf movie, Point Break.

More recently, Patrick has been treading the boards, with a star turn in Chicago in 2003, and opposite Claire Sweeney in Guys and Dolls in 2006.

Patrick has been married for 30 years to fellow dancer Lisa Niemi. Both have pilot licences and have been flying their private jet into Palo Alto’s airport, just minutes away from the Stanford Csncer Centre, where he is receiving treatment.

Although Patrick is said to be responding well to treatment, doctors warn that chemotherapy is not a cure, and will only slow the growth of the tumour and ease symptoms.

Thursday 6 March 2008


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How sad. I wish him well in his fight with this awful disease.
Comment by Twigs on March 06 13:20

Gutted!

Patrick is the ultimate sexy man! Boys were never the same for me after watching him in Dirty Dancing as a young teen. Why couldn't he be in my class at school! May his treatment lead to a long life.
Comment by Josefa Cooper on March 06 13:10

sad to hear this about patrick. he is the same age as me and working hard when young, then reaching middle years should be a nice time as you don't have to work your socks off so much. i too have been struck down by an incurable disease. yet there are many people out there living to ripe old ages it doesn't seem fair.
my bestest wishes to him. gill
Comment by gill on March 06 11:45

what a shock but i hope he pulls through and with the love from every one he will.he can only do one day at a time.he will allways be in my heart.we are praying for him
stay well
Comment by carole on March 06 10:01

very sad news i wish him well and may he know that alot of people will pray for him
Comment by heather adfield on March 06 09:47

i suffer from cancer relay good wishes to him
Comment by t.steele on March 06 09:39

A positive attitude is the answer. I have a sister-in-law who has survived Hodgekins Lymphoma followed by breast cancer. Hold on in there Patrick. There is a lot of love coming to you.
Comment by Pam Cherry on March 06 09:25

Wishing Patrick a speedy recovery. Very sad to hear about his illness but I am certain he will beat it. Our thoughts are with you.
Comment by Ann-Marie Titley on March 06 09:09


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