Jeopardy! Alex Trebek cancer
[Photo via YouTube]

‘Jeopardy!’ host Alex Trebek diagnosed with cancer

Jeopardy!‘s iconic host, Alex Trebek has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. According to Consequence of Sound, Trebek shared the news in a YouTube video.

Trebek has been the host of Jeopardy!, which has featured some questions about the scene’s favorite bands on many occasions, since 1984. 

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“I have some news to share with all of you and it’s in keeping of my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fanbase,” Trebek says in the video. “I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health. So, therefore, I wanted to be the one to pass along this information. Now, just like 50,000 people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer has about a nine percent survival rate across all stages. The survival rate measures the percentage of patients who live five years after their initial diagnosis.

However, Trebek remains hopeful and optimistic that he will successfully defeat the disease.

“Normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging — but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working,” Trebek continues. “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.”

At the end of the video, Trebek concludes his somber message with a cheery joke. After all, there’s a reason why he’s our favorite television trivia genius.

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

You can watch Trebek’s message for yourself below.

We are sending all of our love and thoughts to Trebek and his loved ones at this time.

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