Patrick Swayze 'smokes three packs of cigarettes a day'

Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze smokes three packets of cigarettes a day, it has been claimed.

It was confirmed by Swayze's publicist yesterday that the actor/singer was suffering from pancreatic cancer - the same disease that killed Luciano Pavarotti last year..

"Actor Patrick Swayze has been diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment," the statement from his representative read.

"Patrick is continuing his normal schedule during this time, which includes working on upcoming projects.

"The outpouring of support and concern he has already received from the public is deeply appreciated by Patrick and his family."

But according to fresh reports from the US, the 55-year-old Hollywood star had a three pack a day cigarette habit.

"Patrick Swayze had a three pack a day cigarette habit," reports Inside Edition.

"The habit was so bad it was listed as a partial factor in the cause of a plane crash Swayze was involved in by the National Transit Safety Board in 2000.

"The report reveals Swayze was flying his plane when he became physically impaired in the cockpit which authorities said may have been caused by the cumulative effects of carbon monoxide by-products from the engine and from tobacco use."

According to the American Cancer Society, previous studies have shown that smoking is responsible for about one-third of pancreatic cancer deaths. Studies reveal heavy smoking may damage the pancreas before cancer develops leaving the damaged pancreas more susceptible and at a greater risk of developing cancer.

Each year about 33,000 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis is generally regarded as poor, with few victims still alive five years after diagnosis, and complete remission still extremely rare.