Patrick Swayze is fighting pancreatic cancer, a rep for the actor has confirmed to Access Hollywood.
"Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment," a rep for the actor said in a statement released on Wednesday. "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."
[ Patrick Swayze - View the gallery ]
The National Enquirer was the first outlet to report the tragic news, claiming the 55-year-old actor's condition was so severe, he had only five weeks to live.
However, according to the statement from the rep, Swayze's condition may not be as dire as what was initially reported.
[ Billy's Video Blog: Patrick Swayze's Cancer Confirmed - Watch the video ]
According to the statement, 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 timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic."
Despite the encouraging words from Dr. Fisher, oncologist Maurice Berkowitz told Access Hollywood the outlook for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is generally not good.
[ Access Archives: Patrick Swayze Talks "Black Dog" - Watch the video ]
"Typically it's not a slow growing tumor, so people develop symptoms quickly and, if left untreated, the symptoms get worse," Berkowitz explained.
However, Berkowitz said there are new treatments providing hope to those afflicted with the disease.
"Some strides are being done and some people are doing very well," he added.
According to the American Cancer Society, the one-year survival rate is 20 percent, while the five-year rate is only 4 percent, for patients with pancreatic cancer.
[ Patrick Swayze Filmography - View the Gallery ]
"Unfortunately, by the time most people [realize it], the tumor is at a stage where it cannot be easily taken out. So at that point, it's looking at symptom control and increasing how long somebody lives on the therapy," Berkowitz said.
According to The Enquirer, Swayze (the star of such films including "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost") has been undergoing treatment at the Stanford University Medical Center. However, they also reported the cancer has spread and the actor has been told to prepare for the worst.
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cherylWe love you, Patrick! Keep up the good fight, our prayers are with you always. Dont ever give up, we need you in our lives. Bill and Cheriereport abuseposted June 27, 2009 7:05 AM PDT
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minimouse1961MY PRAYERS WITH Patrick GODS WITH YOU ITS IN THE LORDS HANDS IM A BIG FAN OF YOURS I HAVE YOUR DIRTY DANCING DISK MAY GOD BE WITH TAMMYreport abuseposted June 26, 2009 3:12 PM PDT
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minimouse1961MY PRAYERS WITH Patrick GODS WITH YOU ITS IN THE LORDS HANDS IM A BIG FAN OF YOURS I HAVE YOUR DIRTY DANCING DISK MAY GOD BE WITH TAMMYreport abuseposted June 26, 2009 3:12 PM PDT
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nitezoeI PRAY FOR THE SWAYZE FAMILY AND HOPE FOR A FULL RECOVERY IT IS A HARD ROAD AND A HARD BATTLE BUT DON'T GIVE UP AND BE STRONG MY GOD BLESS U IN THIS TIME OF NEED . SINCERLY, KASEE MELTONreport abuseposted June 7, 2009 1:35 PM PDT
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nitezoeI PRAY FOR THE SWAYZE FAMILY AND HOPE FOR A FULL RECOVERY IT IS A HARD ROAD AND A HARD BATTLE BUT DON'T GIVE UP AND BE STRONG MY GOD BLESS U IN THIS TIME OF NEED . SINCERLY, KASEE MELTONreport abuseposted June 7, 2009 1:35 PM PDT
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nitezoeI PRAY FOR THE SWAYZE FAMILY AND HOPE FOR A FULL RECOVERY IT IS A HARD ROAD AND A HARD BATTLE BUT DON'T GIVE UP AND BE STRONG MY GOD BLESS U IN THIS TIME OF NEED . SINCERLY, KASEE MELTONreport abuseposted June 7, 2009 1:34 PM PDT
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carmelcorn9Patrick ,you are so so Blessed to have this wonderful woman next to you God Bless your family thru all the trials and tribulations Love all your movies my fav is roadhouse, next of kin,dirty dancing, point break...... ALL!!!! Keep the Faith We are all praying for your complete recovery!!!report abuseposted May 24, 2009 1:24 AM PDT
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SherryBlack Walnut The botanical name for Black Walnut is Juglans nigra. Black Walnuts are used since ancient times to cure many ailments. Historically, many countries used Black Walnuts against scorpion stings. Many of the medical professionals believe that Black Walnut has a variety of healing properties against infections and diseases caused due to different parasites. black molasses kill tumorreport abuseposted May 23, 2009 2:17 PM PDT
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ginettedear patrick my family and i wishing you all the best again that bloody disease we love you has a actor and we hope you will make many more movies and many happy years with your lovely wife you look like a loving couple .report abuseposted April 29, 2009 11:02 PM PDT
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mistic1345Patrick I have tried to reach you many times but no success. My success is I was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer in 2001 and I had less than 2% survival rate and I am still here 8 years later, thanks to a combination of IV therapy drugs which consisted of two differenet chemo drugs, radiation treatment and 5 FU chemo. Do not ever give up , stay positive and fight . I am cancer free.report abuseposted April 7, 2009 7:25 PM PDT
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