John Hurt is undergoing treatment for early stage pancreatic cancer and remains optimistic about the outcome.

"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. I have recently been diagnosed with early stage pancreatic cancer. I am undergoing treatment and am more than optimistic about a satisfactory outcome, as indeed is the medical team,” Hurt said a statement.

Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most common cancer in the world, with 338,000 new cases diagnosed in 2012. The risk of developing it increases with age. The average age at diagnosis is 70.

Pancreatic cancer usually produces no symptoms, and so is often diagnosed in a later, hard-to-treat stages. Hurt did not elaborate on how the cancer was discovered, but it sometimes is found earlier during medical testing for other conditions.

The British actor, who was nominated for two Oscars, for his roles in "The Elephant Man" and "Midnight Express," as well as playing Mr. Ollivander in the Harry Potter films, has starred in dozens of movies, including "The Naked Civil Servant" and "Alien."

Hurt, who was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in December, also said he plans to continue working.