“Jeopardy!” Host Alex Trebek Announces Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer

For the last 3 decades, Alex Trebek has stood at the helm of the popular quiz game show, “Jeopardy!” Sadly, the popular host announced in a video shared by the game show that he was recently diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. But he does it in a highly respectable, awesome way. [1]

The estimated 5-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer at this advanced stage is a mere 3%. In the video, Trebek acknowledged that his prognosis is dire, but vowed to fight the disease. [1] [2]

“Hi everyone, I have some news to share with all of you, and it’s in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our ‘Jeopardy!’ fan base. I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health. [1]

So therefore, I wanted to be the one to pass along this information. Now, just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m going to fight this, and I’m going to keep working. 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.”

Trebek told the audience his only option is survival because, well, he has a contract to fulfill. It’s great to see the man make a joke during this sad announcement.

“Truth told, I have to. Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host ‘Jeopardy!’ for 3 more years! So, help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done. Thank you.”

The warning signs of pancreatic cancer include: [3]

• Pain in the abdomen or back
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin), with or without itching
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Changes in stool
• Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
• Recent-onset diabetes

You may be more likely to develop pancreatic cancer if you have any of the following risk factors:

• A family history of pancreatic cancer or other cancers
• Chronic and hereditary pancreatitis
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Tobacco use
• Poor diet

Sources:

[1] Today

[2] Healthline

[3] CBS News

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Post written byJulie Fidler: Julie Fidler has written hundreds of articles on key world topics such as health, drugs, and law. She is also the author of Adventures in Holy Matrimony: For Better or the Absolute Worst. Oh, and she loves to take care of two ridiculously- spoiled cats in her free time.