Dirty Dancing star fighting cancer

(AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his agent confirmed today.

But his doctor Dr George Fisher said reports in the US that the American actor had just five weeks to live were "absolutely untrue".

The 55-year-old star of Dirty Dancing and Ghost was said to be still working and responding well to treatment.

Dr 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."

Swayze's agent Annett Wolf added: "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."

Swayze is currently working on two films, according to movie website imdb.com.

Both Powder Blue and a television movie called The Beast are scheduled for release later this year.