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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.
Who is an extraordinary human being, gracious, a consummate professional, a gentleman, a kind soul? Final Answer:… https://t.co/Tp18TdZIHi— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@Ana Navarro-Cárdenas)1551924924.0
@ananavarro Definitely! All jeopardy nerds unite in sending him prayers and positive vibes. You’ve got this, Ale… https://t.co/85Q7c9cPCj— JustSaki (@JustSaki)1551925145.0
@ananavarro From a fellow Canadian, thinking of you and wishing you strength and wellness, Alex Trebek.— donna flick (@donna flick)1551925010.0
Those familiar with the battle shared their anecdote as survivors.
@CNN You'll smash this #Alextrebek I was stage 3 Had whipple in June last year Started chemo in August Swam 2km i… https://t.co/chXTzXFhwd— shaun walsh (@shaun walsh)1551944009.0
Alex Trebek has Pancreatic cancer. It is true the survival rate is low, but miracles are possible. My wife is a pan… https://t.co/zAPXul6M9R— Kevin W (@Kevin W)1551958431.0
Dear @Jeopardy And Dear #AlexTrebek You got this and we're pulling for you! You visited us & my baby son Alex 1987… https://t.co/fZqabVN3lK— Kari Havoth (@Kari Havoth)1551977451.0
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."
@ABC Mr.Trebek you are not alone! Keeping you in my prayers.Thank you for your openness, your positive attitude is an inspiration to all!— Stephanie Tryon (@Stephanie Tryon)1551970130.0
@CNN Sucks that it's stage 4, that's a tough one to come back from, but if anyone can do it, it's this tough-talkin… https://t.co/KlEiAJqG1V— The Sage of Dragons (@The Sage of Dragons)1551938774.0
We’d be lost without Alex Trebek explaining rap music. #Jeopardy #AlexTrebek https://t.co/zt1gl1EXqA— insecure Al (@insecure Al)1551927412.0
Oh my God. If anyone can beat this, you can. Sending heartfelt good thoughts and best wishes for a speedy and full… https://t.co/GRmf0Sd7pI— Brad Rutter (@Brad Rutter)1551910222.0
@CNN I love Jeopardy and Alex Trebek and I'm counting on him to fulfill his contractual obligation, and then some.… https://t.co/CV1gylsVNt— Carolyn D. Kelly (@Carolyn D. Kelly)1551976214.0
Fellow game show host Pat Sajak of Wheel of Fortune also offered his words of encouragement.
The Sajak family is deeply saddened to hear of Alex Trebek’s struggle with cancer. Our hearts go out to him and his… https://t.co/gft250CAg6— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak)1551910492.0
We'll take "Who can kick cancer's ass?" for $1,000.
Answer: Alex "cancer warrior" Trebek.