Paul Newman is battling cancer

A close friend of Paul Newman, who one of the owners in Newman Hass Lanigan Racing team in the Indycar Series, has revealed that 83 year old actor is battling cancer. Writer A.E. Hotchner, who helped Newman start his salad dressing company in 1982, said that Newman told him about having cancer almost a year and a half ago.

�I know that it�s a form of cancer,� Hotchner told The Associated Press. �It�s a form of cancer and he�s dealing with it.� Hotchner said that Newman had an operation a few years ago. �It was certainly somewhere in the area of the lung,� he said.

�He�s battling.� Hotchner continued. �He�s doing all the right stuff. Paul is a fighter. He seems to be going through a good period right now.�

When asked about his prognosis, Hotchner said, �Everybody is hopeful. That�s all we know.�

But the story only gets a little stranger as later yesterday Hotchner denied knowing about the illness to the tv show "Access Hollywood", but then confirmed the illness to the Reuters news agnecy later that day. Other close friends of Newman deny any knowledge of an "illness" says that he�s doing fine and that he was "lively" during a fundraiser for his Hole in the Wall Gang camp for ill children.

Micheal Brockman, who also partners in the racing team, said that Newman wanted to get back into a race car and run a race later on this year.

So believe what you want to believe, that picture though was taken last month and Paul doesn't look too well. Lets hope he gets better.

Friend says Paul Newman is battling cancer (MSNBC)