Yesterday the US tabloid, National Enquirer, broke the story that Patrick Swayze was being treated for pancreatic cancer but took it to the extreme with a claim that the Dirty Dancing actor had just five weeks to live. Tabloids are consistently filled with extremist claims like that which made it rather unbelievable.

In confirmation of the condition Swayze’s rep made the following statement:

“Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. 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.”

But his condition isn’t nearly as bad as Enquirer reports, says Yahoo!:

Swayze’s physician Dr. George Fisher said, “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 timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side effects are absolutely untrue. We are considerably more optimistic.”

I’m hoping for a quick and complete recovery and chances are good because if Patrick has taught us anything, no one puts Swayze in the corner!