In a statement obtained by ET his rep says: "Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Patrick's physician Dr. GEORGE FISHER states, '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. We are considerably more optimistic.' 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 is known for starring in such notable films as 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Ghost.'

Get Better Patrick

March 5, 2008, 7:22 pm
New York Times

An Actor’s Diagnosis May Bring Attention to a Neglected Cancer

Actor Patrick Swayze, 55, star of the 1987 hit movie “Dirty Dancing,” has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his publicist. Although tabloid reports claimed Mr. Swayze has terminal cancer, the statement said those reports were not correct.

Patrick Swayze (Mario Anzuoni/Reuters)
According to the statement, released to several media outlets, Mr. Swayze’s physician Dr. George Fisher said, “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 time frame of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic.”

Pancreatic cancer will claim the lives of nearly 35,000 people in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society. It is almost always fatal, with a five-year survival rate of just 5 percent, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Opera great Luciano Pavarotti and actor Michael Landon both died of pancreatic cancer. The disease has also killed several family members of former President Jimmy Carter, as reported last year in The Times.

But despite striking the famous, the disease gets comparatively less attention than other cancers. Pancreatic cancer research is funded at far lower levels than other forms of cancer. Although nearly as many people die of pancreatic cancer as breast cancer, funding from the National Cancer Institute amounts to just 15 percent of the funding for breast cancer, according to the Web site pancreatica.org.

Pancreatic cancer is so deadly because it is difficult to detect, early to metastasize and resistant to most treatments.

This is so incredibly heartbreaking. God I don't understand all this ****. Such a horrible disease is taking so many people.

Def prayers going up to him and his family.

This is such sad news I love many of his movies and his hit song
"She's like the wind "

i was so shocked and saddened by this

God I can't believe all the sad news as of late.
I am praying for him that he will beat this and be w/us for a long long time!
I had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of times, he is such a sweetheart. Very lovely person as is his wife, Lisa.
I have "Dirty Dancing" on dvd and just recently watched it...he was great in it I thought.
Much love to him and his family.

I heard this on the radio this morning on the way to work. My heart sank Cancer definately ****S! God Bless him and I wish him much strength and success in beating this.

They really need to find a cure for this horrible disease.

My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Prayers to him and his family. Pancreatic cancer is usually not detected until the cells have metastized, spread to other parts of the body.

I agree with attahgirl... I hope for the best for him.

I feel so bad about this I love Patrick Swayze. I think he is an incredible actor who seems like a really sweet guy..*Dirty Dancing* & *Ghost* are two of my favorite movies. I hope he beats this! I am praying for him. God Bless him.

We love you Patrick!! My thoughts are with you.