Patrick Swayze's doctor has confirmed the actor has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - but insists he's not as close to death as reports suggest.

Tabloid and internet reports suggest that Swayze is fighting for his life and has been given just five weeks to live, but his physician Dr. George Fisher suggests he's a lot more optimistic about the actor's recovery.

In a statement issued a short time ago, Dr. Fisher says, "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 Dirty Dancing hunk's publicist Annett Wolf adds, "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."

-Patrick Swayze Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)