Patrick Swayze,
the actor and dancer who starred in such hit films as Dirty Dancing and
Ghost, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to
published reports yesterday.

Mr. Swayze, 55, was diagnosed with
cancer more than a month ago, the New York Post reported on its
website. The Post story follows similar reports in the tabloid press.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Swayze declined comment to Reuters, and no further details were available.

Mr.
Swayze is best known for his role as dance instructor Johnny Castle
opposite Jennifer Grey's character, infatuated teenager Frances (Baby)
Houseman, in the 1987 movie musical Dirty Dancing.

The film,
which centres on an unlikely romance between the two at a 1960s resort
in the Catskills of New York, defied expectations to become a huge hit,
earning both actors Golden Globe Award nominations. Mr. Swayze
performed the song She's Like the Wind for the movie soundtrack and his
signature line, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner," has become a pop
culture staple.

Ottawa Citizen