PATRICK SWAYZE - SWAYZE PAYS TRIBUTE TO FANS AFTER CANCER TREATMENT

Patrick Swayze has thanked his fans for their support during his treatment for pancreatic cancer.

The 55-year-old actor was diagnosed with the disease last month within initial tabloid reports suggesting he had just weeks to live.

However, his physician, Dr George Fisher, immediately dismissed the rumours and has now said the Dirty Dancing Star has shown an "excellent" response to the treatment.

Swayze has also continued to work normally while being treated at the Stanford University Medical Center in northern California.

In a statement issued to People magazine, the actor and his wife Linda Niemi said: "We're thrilled and grateful for the positive response Patrick has shown towards his treatment.

"Also, we can't help but feel that all the prayers, meditations and good thoughts sent his way by everyone has made a difference. Thank you!" they added.

Dr Fisher explained that Swayze "continues to respond well to his treatment for pancreatic cancer".

"Because of his excellent response, he will continue the same therapy at Stanford," he continued.

After rising to fame as the hip-swaying Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing in 1987, Swayze went on to star opposite Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg in Ghost before appearing in films including Point Break.