Patrick Swayze Diagnosed with Cancer

Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze has been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. According to Access Hollywood, the 55-year-old-actor is currently undergoing treatment and has been responding well thus far.

The National Enquirer first broke the news, stating that Swayze only had five weeks to live. However, Swayze's physician, Dr. George Fisher, publicly stated that the report was untrue and he is much more optimistic about the time frame of his prognosis.

Pancreatic cancer has a one-year survival rate of 20 percent and a five-year survival rate of 4 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. New treatments are being implemented that have helped bring hope to those diagnosed with the disease.

A statement which was released Wednesday stated the Swayze family's appreciation for the public support already received from fans. The statement also said Swayze is working on upcoming projects and continuing with his routine schedule.