Paul Newman is suffering from cancer, his business partner has confirmed. Writer A.E. Hotchner, who helped Newman found the Newman's Own salad dressing company in the 1980s, claims the actor told him he was diagnosed with the disease 18 months ago.

Hotchner refuses to discuss what form of cancer Newman has, but claims the 83-year-old is undergoing treatment.

He tells the Associated Press, "It's a form of cancer and he's dealing with it."

Hotchner adds that Newman had surgery in recent years that "was certainly somewhere in the area of the lung."

But he insists the Oscar winner is fighting the disease: "He's battling. He's doing all the right stuff. Paul is a fighter. He seems to be going through a good period right now."

Rumors about Newman's heath problems began circulating earlier this year when a tabloid report suggested the beloved star and humanitarian had just six months to live and was under hospital supervision, but the actor laughed off the rumors, insisting his medical crisis was nothing more than treatment of athlete's foot and "hair loss."

Reports have continued at a pace, culminating with the Los Angeles Times newspaper claiming Newman has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

This report prompted the actor's publicist to state Newman is "doing nicely."

The representative refused to confirm or deny the cancer report.

-Newman's Own Filmography

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)