Patrick Swayze still smoking

Patrick Swayze is still smoking despite undergoing cancer treatment.

The 'Dirty Dancing' star - who revealed last week he is battling pancreatic cancer - has sparked concern after being photographed looking painfully thin with a cigarette in his mouth as he left his chemotherapy session in California.

A source said: "Patrick has continued to smoke even though those closest to him have begged him to stop. It is so sad."

Up to one third of pancreatic cancers are believed to be linked to cigarette smoking.

The photograph, the first time Patrick has been seen in public since his cancer battle was revealed, was taken as the 55-year-old star boarded a private jet to Los Angeles flown by his wife Lisa after undergoing chemotherapy at Stanford University.

It is claimed the 'Ghost' star has previously smoked up to 60 cigarettes a day.

Earlier this week, Patrick's mother Patsy, 81, said her son is "determined to beat it".

She said: "Patrick doesn't deserve to get this. He just doesn't deserve it. He's got such a big heart. He's been such a good and generous and thoughtful person. It breaks my heart to know he's suffering. But he bears it and he's determined to beat this. He's hanging in there and getting the best treatment he can."