Jeopardy host Alex Trebek diagnosed with stage 4 cancer

Mar 7, 2019 | News

 

Alex Trebek diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer(Jeopardy official site)

Kettelia Wright

Encouragement is pouring in for Canadian-born Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, who announced on Wednesday that he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

“Just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer,” Trebek said in a video posted to the “Jeopardy!” YouTube channel. “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, 78, was born in  Sudbury, Ont. He attended the University of Ottawa where he studied philosophy. He then made a shift to journalism.

He started his first job with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, CBC TV, as a fill-in reporter. He then started hosting the Canadian quiz show Reach for the Top. He has been the host of “Jeopardy!” since 1984.

He’s known for his great sense of humor, which was on display in his announcement when he joked that he must remain the host of “Jeopardy!”. “Truth told 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.”

After the announcement of his diagnosis, Trebek received support from Canada’s opposition leader, a former Ontario premier, celebrities, “Jeopardy” champions, and fans.

So terribly sorry to hear this about Alex Trebek. Very fine man. https://t.co/RqugMUlQeb