Longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek recently shared news of his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis in a YouTube post for his viewers.
The 78-year-old television personality informed viewers that he is among "50,000 other people in the United States each year" who receives a similar diagnosis.
But Trebek is not going down without a fight.
"Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging, but I'm going to fight this, and I'm going to keep working."
He continued:
"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."
A Message From Alex Trebek | JEOPARDY!www.youtube.com
According to The American Cancer Society – which gathers its information from the SEER database maintained by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) – pancreatic cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of 9% across the local, regional, and distant stages combined.
Trebek's wit was on full display as he added some levity to his heartbreaking announcement.
The Canadian-American who has been hosting the beloved game show since it went into daily syndication in 1984 insisted that he has no choice but to fight against the 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. Thank you."
Fans and past contestants alike united in showing their support for the avuncular host as he takes on the toughest challenge of his life.
Those familiar with the battle shared their anecdote as survivors.
If anyone can beat it, people are betting on Alex Trebek.
Sony Pictures Television chairman Mike Hopkins issued a statement on Wednesday and expressed confidence in Trebek's will power and strength
"If anyone can beat this it's Alex. He has our full support as he tackles this challenge head-on."
Fellow game show host Pat Sajak of Wheel of Fortune also offered his words of encouragement.
We'll take "Who can kick cancer's ass?" for $1,000.
Answer: Alex "cancer warrior" Trebek.
