Patrick Swayze Fights Pancreatic Cancer

March 6, 2008

(Long Island, N.Y.) Hollywood star Patrick Swayze who gained popularity from the 1987 hit movie “Dirty Dancing” and the 1990 classic “Ghost” with co-star Demi Moore has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer according to his doctors earlier this week.

Dr. George Fisher released statement read, “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.”

Currently, Swayze stars in A&E pilot “the Beast” as he plays the role of a heretical FBI agent in a compelling dramatic show. A&E contemplates on turning “The Beast” into a regular TV programming series and expressed interest in keeping Swayze in its roster.

“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 actor’s representative said in a written statement.

Patrick Wayne Swayze was born on August 18th, 1952 in Houston Texas. He first appeared in television as a dancer for “Disney on Parade” and was hired to play a part in the hit TV series “Grease”. His debut film was in the 1979 movie “Skatetown USA.” playing the role of an intolerant youth named Ace. Other movies the actor appeared in were Young Blood (1986), The Outsiders (1983), Red Dawn (1984), Dirty Dancing (1987) and the critically acclaimed movie Ghost (1990).

Annually, over 33,000 people in the US are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and 5 percent of those patients fully recover after five years of the initial diagnosis. According to National Cancer Institute’s website, over 37,680 patients will be diagnosed with the condition in 2008 and an estimated 34,290 of those patients will succumb to death. The National Cancer Institute described pancreatic cancer as “one of the most serious of cancers, pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and is seldom detected in its early stages, which is a major reason why it’s a leading cause of cancer death.”

Posted by News LI Editor · Edited by Brianna - Filed Under Entertainment