Patrick Swayze has cancer of the pancreas

Hollywood star Patrick Swayze, who played leading roles in films such as “Ghost” and “Dirty Dancing,” was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The 55-year-old’s form of this disease is often fatal.  

However, according to abcnews.com, Swayze’s physician, Dr. George Fisher, said the actor has a very limited amount of the disease and is responding well to treatment.  This is after tabloids reported that Swayze only had weeks to live.  

Swayze’s physician has also noted that the actor will continue his normal schedule and projects.

 According to abcnews.com, Swayze has an upcoming movie titled “Powder Blue,” with Jessica Biel, Ray Liotta and Forest Whitaker.
 An outpouring of support has taken place from Swayze’s family, friends, Hollywood actors and fans. He is also working on a pilot for A&E called “The Beast,” which is looking to become one of the new drama series on the network, according to USA Today.  

The American Cancer Society estimates that 37,680 Americans, approximately half men and half women, will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2008.  
About 34,290 Americans will die of pancreatic cancer in 2008, making it the fourth deadliest cancer.  It is so deadly because patients generally do not develop symptoms until after it has spread.  

The pancreas is a long, flat gland that lies in the abdomen behind the stomach and produces both enzymes that aid digestion and certain hormones that help maintain the proper level of sugar in the blood.   

Jan Krevh, a nurse at the John Carroll University Student Health Center, said, “Pancreatic cancer is one of the most serious cancers.  The recovery rate is very low, and is very painful to experience.  The pancreas is very important because it produces insulin.”  

Krevh also believes that if Swayze’s cancer was caught early, then it is certainly a positive thing and recovery is more likely to occur.  

Cancer experts say that Swayze has a difficult road ahead, but believe that if treated quickly and effectively he can pull through and be able to share a positive story with loved ones and other victims and survivors.