Doctor confirms Swayze cancer diagnosis

Patrick Swayze's doctor has confirmed reports that the actor has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

However, Dr. George Fisher insisted rumours that Swayze had just five weeks to live were "absolutely untrue".

He disputed a report in the National Enquirer which suggested that the disease had spread to other organs, telling WENN: "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."

The actor's publicist Annett Wolf said: "Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

"[He] 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."

Swayze, 55, is best known for his roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost.