Anne Francis Dies: What Killed Sexy "Forbidden Planet" Star?

CBS) Cancer has claimed the life of Anne Francis, sexy star of more than 30 movies, including the 1956 sci fi classic "Forbidden Planet."

The actress, who underwent surgery and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007, died of complications of pancreatic cancer at a Santa Barbara retirement home, the Los Angeles Times reported. She was 80.

In addition to her film work, Francis played a mannequin who comes to life in an episode of the TV series "The Twilight Zone" and had the title role in the 1960s series "Honey West," in which she played a private detective with a pet ocelot.

Pancreatic cancer is a notorious killer. Each year in the U.S., more than 43,000 are diagnosed with the disease - and only 5.6 percent of people are still alive five years after being diagnosed.

Risk factors for the disease include smoking, diabetes, and certain hereditary conditions. Symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain the back or abdomen, and yellowing of the skin (jaundice). But symptoms typically don't show up until the disease has reached an advanced state.