Sadly that's not the case at all. Patrick Swayze's publicist has confirmed that the actor has been diagnosed with the disease and is undergoing treatment for it.

However, the publicist added that the 'five weeks to live' angle of the stories were wide of the mark. Apparently Patrick Swayze only has a limited amount of cancer growing inside him and is responding well to the treatment, it has been said.

Of all the ways that a public figure can die – suddenly like Heath Ledger or after a long illness like someone like Robert Altman – none are particularly pleasant to endure. But it's extremely rare for a situation like Patrick Swayze's to occur.

Thanks to yesterday's reports of Patrick Swayze's terminal pancreatic cancer – and the news that he has just five weeks to live – Patrick Swayze has effectively been handed a very specific ticking clock that everyone can see. It's as horrible as it is unusual – but it might not be completely accurate.

Although Patrick Swayze's publicist has confirmed the cancer in a statement, he's been quick to dismiss the 'five-week' story, along with rumours that Patrick Swayze has been limited to a liquid-only diet. According to TMZ:

"Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. Patrick's physician Dr. George Fisher states, '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.' 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."

Read more:

Confirmed: Patrick Swayze Has Cancer – TMZ 

A National Enquirer report claims that Patrick Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January and that it has now spread to other organs. Despite regular chemotherapy sessions, doctors aren't apparently confident of treating the cancer successfully.

According the National Enquirer:

Patrick and his wife Lisa Niemi — who both have pilot's licenses — have been flying their private Beechcraft plane into Palo Alto's airport, minutes away from the Stanford Cancer Center, where the actor has received outpatient treatment. He received three doses of chemotherapy and the tumor shrank, but less than his doctors had hoped for — and Patrick was told he should prepare for the end. "He was told he could have two more treatments, but his cancer was not responding. In short – they held out little hope for a cure," said an insider.

If this report is true – and it seems a little too specific for it not to be, then Patrick Swayze is now on a liquid-only diet because he can no longer keep solid food down. Horrible news.

Read more:

Patrick Swayze diagnosed with pancreatic cancer; has five weeks to live – Showbiz Spy