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 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 tells 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."

And the 56-year-old is keeping a positive outlook, thanks to various projects - and a new pet: "There is a brand new, 12-week-old, Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy named Kumasai in my life who is gorgeous and already showing that he will be one special dog.

"I am starting work on my new book, in addition to enjoying the fantastic response from everyone on my A&E series The Beast.

"I hope in the future, the press will think twice about printing inaccuracies and painting an unpleasant picture when I have so much to be thankful for at this time."