'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek reveals pancreatic cancer diagnosis: 'I'm gonna fight this'

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has revealed some heartbreaking personal news.

In a post shared on the show’s social media pages, Trebek said that in the past week, he’s been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He said he wanted fans of the show to hear the news straight from him.

“Now, normally the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I’m gonna fight this,” Trebek said. “And I’m gonna 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. Truth told, I have to, because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years. So help me! Keep the faith, and we’ll win. We’ll get it done.”

Trebek took the opportunity to point out that he’s one of 50,000 people in the United States who receive a pancreatic cancer diagnosis each year.

The Canadian-American star, 78, has hosted the quiz show since 1984. In November, Sony Pictures Television announced that Trebek had signed on to host the show through its 2021-2022 season.

Trebek’s announcement comes on the heels of Jeopardy!’s “All-Star Games,” a tournament that brought back winners from over the years. Brad Rutter, whose team won the tournament, and Jeopardy! fan favorite Ken Jennings immediately shared messages of support.

Pat Sajak, who has long hosted Wheel of Fortune, the companion show to Jeopardy! in many markets, also offered wishes for a full recovery.

Trebek joked just last month about who would replace him on the show if he ever left.

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