FARRAH FAWCETT - FAWCETT BEGINS CANCER BATTLE

FAWCETT BEGINS CANCER BATTLE

LATEST: Actress FARRAH FAWCETT began chemotherapy treatment this week (begs09OCT06) in Los Angeles to battle a rare form of anal cancer. The former CHARLIE'S ANGELS star went into hospital on Monday (09OCT06), accompanied by former love RYAN O'NEAL, and left with a chemo pack attached to her side later that day. The star was diagnosed with the disease on 29 September (06) - just over a month after she appeared with former co-stars KATE JACKSON and JACLYN SMITH at the Emmy Awards. Fawcett claims in the days following her appearance at the ceremony she became fatigued and began to suspect something was seriously wrong. In addition to her chemotherapy, she will also undergo five weeks of radiation treatment for the disease, before deciding her next step. Fawcett's close friend PAT VAN PATTEN tells American publication People, "She has chosen to have the aggressive treatment. There is a high curability for what she has. "They are going to shrink the tumour. She's going to attack it. She said to tell you that she will be in a weakened condition for a while and won't look good. But her spirits are good." Friends and family have been quick to lend their support. Former Angels Jackson and Smith, both of whom have beaten cancer, have rallied beside her. When O'Neal was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2001, Fawcett helped nurse him back to health and now he is returning the favour. He says, "She's so strong. I love her. I love her all over again."