However, his doctor has denied media reports that he his condition is terminal and that he only has five weeks to live.

The 55-year-old is thought to be responding well to treatment and is fit enough to continue with his normal schedule.

Pancreatic cancer is among the most serious forms of the disease and has the highest fatality rate of all cancers.

Diagnosis usually happens when the cancer is at an advanced stage because it shows no symptoms in the early stages.

George Fisher, the doctor treating Swayze, said: “All of the reports stating the timeframe of his prognosis and his physical side-effects are absolutely untrue.” Dr Fisher added: “We are considerably more optimistic.”