Beloved game-show host Alex Trebek recently shared that he’s doing well with cancer treatment — and he’s already working on filming the next season of “Jeopardy.” Trebek is currently battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which he revealed in a YouTube video on March 4.
Pancreatic cancer is a difficult diagnosis — but it seems Trebek is taking it on with a really positive attitude. “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 said in his original announcement.
Read More The American Cancer Society estimates that about 56,770 people in the United States will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year alone, and that 45,750 people will die of the disease. The 5-year survival rate for people with pancreatic cancer is 9%. While pancreatic cancer is still quite tricky to treat, there are still a handful of options that someone in Trebek’s position could try. “It is true that it’s still the minority of patients that are cured with pancreas cancer, and certainly if it’s already metastatic, our options are limited,” Dr. Daniel Labow, Chair of Surgery at Mount Sinai St. Luke's and Mount Sinai West, told SurvivorNet after Trebek was diagnosed. Dr. Labow did say, however, that there are now newer chemotherapies and newer approaches that can be implemented. In his most recent update, which was posted to the “Jeopardy” YouTube page, Trebek also thanked fans for their love and support — including the “many cards [he’s] received from young people.” The host said he is “touched beyond words.” In addition to his many thanks, Trebek said that he is continuing his therapy, and he’s doing well. Trebek didn’t say exactly how his cancer is being treated, but he certainly looked healthy and energetic as he announced that “Jeopardy” was wrapping up filming for its 35th season.
With a smile, Trebek signed off by promising fans that he will be back for season 36. “I look forward to seeing you once again in September, with all kinds of good stuff,” he said.
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