Swayze blasts press for inaccurate stories

Patrick Swayze has blasted tabloid reports he is losing his battle against pancreatic cancer, accusing the press of fabricating lies to "paint an unpleasant picture" about his health.

This week's edition of US gossip sheet the National Enquirer alleged Swayze's condition is fast deteriorating, publishing photos of a bald and gaunt actor hooked up to a chemotherapy catheter looking frail.

But the star has denied the publication's claims he is "close to the end", insisting he is continuing with his treatment.

He told People.com: "It's amazing to me that the tabloids such as the National Enquirer print such negative stories about me and my health when there are so many positive things going on in my life right now.

"I've started a new chemotherapy and, once again, I am one of the lucky ones with pancreatic cancer that is responding well to the treatment."