Actor Patrick Swayze Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer

Recent news reports have indicated that actor Patrick Swayze was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The actor is best known for his roles in the hit movies "Ghost" and "Dirty Dancing," although many Swayze fans also remember his lesser-known films like "Roadhouse," "Red Dawn," and "Point Break." His dance moves, good looks and rock-hard body are some of his trademarks.

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly form of cancer. According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Only 5% of people who are diagnosed with the disease will live for five years. Most will die much sooner.

Both men and women can be pancreatic cancer victims, and it affects people of all ethnic backgrounds.

Symptoms of the disease vary widely, but may include abdominal pain, jaundice, loss of appetite and nausea. Unfortunately, symptoms aren't usually present until the late stages of the disease, which is one of the reasons the mortality rate is so high.

Swayze is currently undergoing treatment for the disease.

To learn more about pancreatic cancer, visit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network website at www.pancan.org.