Sir John Hurt has been diagnosed with cancer but will continue to work despite his illness. The 75-year-old has received treatment for pancreatic cancer but remains optimistic about his prognosis. His doctors are also hopeful about his chances of recovery, the Doctor Who actor revealed on Tuesday (17th June).

John HurtJohn Hurt has been diagnosed with cancer.

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"I have always been open about the way in which I conduct my life and in that spirit I would like to make a statement," Hurt told the AP (via BBC). 

"I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team." 

Hurt has a number of upcoming projects including film and radio work. After confirming his cancer diagnosis, Hurt promised he would honour his professional commitments and continue working. Amongst his upcoming works are a radio drama for BBC Radio 4, a remake of Tarzan slated for 2016 and television series The Last Panthers. Hurt is also involved in another seven productions, according to his profile on IMDb.

"I am continuing to focus on my professional commitments and will shortly be recording Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell (one of life's small ironies!) for BBC Radio 4," Hurt added in his statement.

Hurt was awarded with a knighthood in the Queen's New Year's Honours this year for his service to the arts. Hurt is best known for his critically acclaimed performance in the 1980s drama The Elephant Man and for his role as Quentin Crisp in television series The Naked Civil Servant. Last year he starred in the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who as yet another Doctor. 

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