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Swayze Battling Cancer

But he says tabloid reports of having only weeks to live are false

By Will McCahill, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 5, 2008 7:17 PM CST

(Newser) – Patrick Swayze does have pancreatic cancer, a doctor said today, but a report that the actor has five weeks to live is false, E! News reports. The National Enquirer wrote earlier that Swayze, 55, has lost 20 pounds to the disease, among the deadliest of cancers. "Reports stating the time frame of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue," the doctor said.

"Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time," representatives for the Dirty Dancing star said, "which includes working on upcoming projects." His current project is a role as a gay cheerleading instructor in the comedy film Fired Up, which began production in February. "He has great doctors and a great prognosis," said his mom, Patsy.

[Images (4)]

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Actor Patrick Swayze poses for photographers in this 2005 file photo. A representative for Swayze says he is being treated for pancreatic cancer but is well enough to continue working. The "Dirty Dancing"... (Associated Press)

Patrick Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi, attend a party at the grand opening of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007. Doctors confirmed today that the actor has... (Associated Press)

Patrick Swayze attends a premiere of "Kill Bill Vol. 2" on Thursday, April 8, 2004, in Los Angeles, California. (KRT Photos)

Patrick Swayze in a file photo from 2003. (Getty Images)

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Swayze Battling Cancer