Patrick Swayze Passes Away
Patrick Swayze Dies from Pancreatic Cancer
Bryan Bedder, Getty Images
Actor and dancer Patrick Swayze, who became a household name after he starred in the hit movie "Dirty Dancing" in 1987, died September 14, 2009, after a nearly two-year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Swayze, who was diagnosed with cancer in January 2008, passed away in the company of his family, including his wife of more than 30 years, Lisa Niemi.
A native of Houston, Texas, Swayze learned to dance in the studio of his choreographer mother, Patsy Swayze. Though trained as a dancer, Swayze is best known for his successful acting career, which started to take off in the mid-80s with his leading role as Orry Main in the television miniseries "North and South." In 1987, his dancing and acting skills were showcased when he played dance instructor Johnny Castle in "Dirty Dancing," a role for which he received a Golden Globe Nomination. His fame grew with his next box office hit, "Ghost," in 1990. Named the “Sexiest Man Alive” by PEOPLE magazine in 1991, Swayze continued his dancing and acting career both in Hollywood and on Broadway. He assumed his most recent role as a veteran FBI agent on the A & E series "The Beast" after his cancer diagnosis.
Immediately following diagnosis, Swayze underwent chemotherapy treatment at Stanford University Medical Center and, despite repeated tabloid claims that his death was imminent, continued to actively pursue his career. He died 20 months after initial diagnosis.
Pancreatic cancer is among the most deadly forms of cancer and most victims survive only six to nine months following diagnosis. This is largely due to the fact that the disease is rarely diagnosed in its early stages. The pancreas, which is a pear-shaped organ that lies behind the lower part of the stomach, secretes enzymes that help digestion and also helps regulate the body’s metabolism of sugars.
Pancreatic cancer is slightly more common in men than in women and is also more common among people who smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol or who are obese. Swayze, whose father died of a heart attack at age 57, was both a smoker and a heavy drinker, having received treatment for alcoholism in the mid-90s following his sister’s suicide.
Pain and symptom management are commonly the most important part of treating pancreatic cancer, which has a very low survival rate. Only 20 percent of pancreatic tumors can be removed and, in most cases, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body by the time of diagnosis. Caught in advanced stages, the disease has only a five percent survival rate for five years. It affects about 30,000 people a year.
Unlike with heart disease and lung cancer, it is very difficult to trace specific causes of pancreatic cancer. But because of its association with smoking, drinking and obesity, the best preventive advice one can follow is to eat right, don’t smoke and avoid heavy consumption of alcohol. There are no simple screenings for the disease. Potential symptoms of the disease include recurring pain in the upper or middle abdomen and back, unexplained weight loss, jaundice, fatigue and even a sudden onset of diabetes. If you have a family history of pancreatic cancer, it is probably a good idea to get screenings for the disease should you experience these symptoms.
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Celeb Health News
Ethan Zohn, 2009
"Survivor: Africa" winner Zohn was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin's disease, a cancer of the lymph tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and bone marrow, on April 30. He told "People," "This is the ultimate game of 'Survivor.'"
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Adam Yauch, 2009
Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch (better known to fans as MCA) announced in July 2009 that a cancerous tumor was found in his left salivary gland. Despite the medical news, Yauch was all jokes in a video released by the band, saying that canceling shows was "a pain in the neck." Over 50 percent of tumors in the salivary gland are benign and about 70 to 80 of all salivary gland neoplasms originate in the parotid gland, just like in Yauch's case.
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Rachael Ray, 2009
Initially scheduled to have vocal cord surgery late in 2008, Ray opted for intensive vocal therapy instead, a spokesperson told "People" magazine. But apparently after months of therapy, her doctors advised her to go ahead with the surgery. On July 10, 2009, a "People" exclusive with Ray's rep revealed that Ray "decided to have a benign cyst removed from her vocal cord ... [and] the minor, non-invasive procedure was a success and she is already resting at home."
Amy Sussman, Getty Images
Farrah Fawcett, 2009
After three years of battling cancer, actress Farrah Fawcett passed away on June 25. In 2006, the "Charlie's Angels" star was diagnosed with anal cancer, which eventually spread to her liver.
Barry King, WireImage
Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick
Broderick and Parker announced on April 28 they were expecting the birth of twin daughters "with the generous help of a surrogate." The Hollywood couple and 6-year-old son James Wilkie welcomed twin daughters Marion and Tabitha to their family on June 22.
Bryan Bedder, Tribeca Film Festival / Getty Images
Phil and Amy Mickelson, 2009
Pro golfer Phil Mickelson took a hiatus from the PGA Tour when his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2009. Keeping true to his word that he would not tour until his wife was well enough to travel with him, Mickelson recently resumed his game at the Stanford St. Jude Championship. After the U.S. Open, Mickelson will abandon the course once again to be by his wife's side while she undergoes cancer treatment.
Stephen Dunn, Getty Images
Ed McMahon, 2009
On March 2, it was reported that Ed McMahon had been in the hospital for several weeks with pneumonia and other ailments. He spent his 86th birthday, March 6, in the hospital and sadly passed away June 23.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Steve Jobs, 2009
Apple co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs took a medical leave in January 2009 to undergo treatment for pancreatic cancer. Reports then surfaced in June that he underwent a liver transplant two months before in Tennessee.
Liev Schreiber, Alexander Pete and Naomi Watts, 2009
Alexander "Sasha" Pete, the 21-month-old son of Liev Schreiber and Naomi Watts, was briefly hospitalized for respiratory issues on April 28.
Christopher Peterson, BuzzFoto / FilmMagic
Prince, 2009
During an interview with PBS on April 27, Prince revealed that he struggled with epilepsy as a child. The singer said that his flashy persona was a way to compensate for a condition that made him feel insecure.
Vince Bucci, Getty Images
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