Whoopi Goldberg has spoken words of encouragement to her Ghost co-star Patrick Swayze after it emerged he is battling pancreatic cancer.

The actress won an Oscar for her role in the 1990 movie, and offered her thanks to 55-year old Swayze after he insisted that she be included in the cast.

She told viewers on the TV show The View: "When I won my Academy Award, the only person I really thanked was Patrick _ because (of how) he said, 'I'm not making this movie unless you put Whoopi Goldberg in it.' He knew I was right for this part."

Goldberg then delivered a message of support to her friend. Looking directly into the camera, she said: "Baby, as always we want you to know, we want you to feel better. We'll talk soon, I hope."

See Whoopi's tribute to Patrick in the clip below.