‘Jeopardy’ Host Alex Trebek Reveals He Has Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer

Fans are praying for “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek after he revealed on Wednesday that he has been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Fox News reported that the 78-year-old game show host, who has hosted “Jeopardy” for 35 years, made the announcement in a video in which he directly addressed his fans. Trebek explained that he was only just diagnosed with cancer this week.

“Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working,” Trebek said. “And with the love and support of my family and friends and with the help of your prayers also, I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Trebek made it clear that he still has his trademark sense of humor.

“Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host ‘Jeopardy!’ for three more years!” he said. “So help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done. Thank you.”

Trebek also said that he wanted to make the announcement now so that he could be “open and transparent” with fans and so that false rumors of his health would not spread.

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer prognosis

The prognosis for stage 4 pancreatic cancer is quite serious, as the five year survival rate is only three percent, and the median survival rate is only two to six months. Stage 4 means that at this stage, the cancer has already spread from the pancreas to other parts of the body. There is no cure for pancreatic cancer at this stage, but quality of life can be improved with treatment, which Trebek plans to receive as he continues to host “Jeopardy.”

Messages of prayers and support have already been pouring in on social media for Trebek from former contestants and fans alike:

Please keep Alex Trebek in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Let’s all say a prayer for Alex Trebek that he may beat this ugly diagnosis.