Patrick Swayze Asks The Government To Pledge More Money To Cancer Research

Patrick Swayze has asked the U.S. government to pledge more money to cancer research. The "Dirty Dancing" star - who is battling pancreatic cancer - made his emotional plea in The Washington Post newspaper at the weekend.

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He wrote: "For me, fighting cancer is personal. Ever since I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2008, I've been waging an intense, often hellacious battle. It's me (with a lot of love and medical support) against my disease."

"But I'm not alone. More than 1.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year. In the United States, one out of three women and one out of two men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. Look around you - at one point or another, cancer will strike very close to home for everyone."

"The time has come to take my personal fight to a larger stage."

The 56-year-old actor insists increasing medical research funding will help the American economy overcome the global financial crisis.

He added: "My message to our senators and representatives is simple. Vote for the maximum funding to let the National Institutes of Health fight cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. It's not only good for our nation's health, it's also good for our economic wellbeing."

"So here's my plea to congress - stand up to cancer. Stand up for people fighting serious disease. Stand up and help build a prosperous and healthy future for our people."