As the coronavirus pandemic continues, Alex Trebek and other cancer patients are being reassured by celebrities and fans that they have a strong support system during this uncertain time.
Jeopardy host Trebek, 79, is just one of many cancer patients who may be extra vulnerable to Covid-19. Trebek is currently battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer after his diagnosis in 2019, and in order to keep Trebek and the public safe Jeopardy was being filmed without a live studio audience, even before the quarantine order was issued in Los Angeles. Luckily Alex’s wife Jean Trebek is keeping spirits high and offering encouraging words of support.
Read MoreSupport for Alex Trebek
Trebek’s wife isn’t the only one sending positive thoughts to the Jeopardy host. On Twitter, numerous fans are speaking out on Trebek’s bravery during his battle with pancreatic cancer, especially amid the outbreak, and sending him well wishes.The only person outside of my family that I'm willing to protect at all costs from the Coronavirus is Alex Trebek.
— Jeff (@_JeffDonahoo) March 11, 2020
The right move. We can't risk exposing national treasure, Alex Trebek to coronavirus. https://t.co/WwIUttTA33
— Jillian (@_IDKmyBFF_Jill_) March 10, 2020
Alex Trebek has been my evening educator since age 4/5. I'm beyond elated to learn today that he's healthy. Alex, you are the epitome of resiliency and strength, your transparency with us is undeserving, but always welcomed. Positive vibrations, stay strong Alex #Jeopardy https://t.co/eDlHqNLdUa
— Master ???????????????????????????????????????? (@KingStanislaus) March 4, 2020
Similarly, George Alagiah, a BBC newsreader who is battling bowel cancer and tested positive for a mild case of Covid-19, addressed cancer patients’ abilities to fight coronavirus.
“For all those people out there living with cancer, my message is firstly, we all know what uncertainty is about, we all know what being in a life-threatening situation is about, and this needn't be like that,” Alagiah said. “We've confronted those kinds of difficult, dark moments in our life and in some ways I think that we, those of living with cancer, are stronger because we kind of know what it is like to go into something where the outcome are uncertain.”
Cancer, Coronavirus, and Mental Health
The possibility of contracting Covid-19 is a scary scenario for all cancer patients, but physicians have shared some encouraging words of advice to SurvivorNet about how to cope with this pandemic.
"If you have been diagnosed with cancer, you are far more resilient than you believe," Dr. Marianna Strongin, a Clinical Psychologist and founder of Strong In Therapy, tells SurvivorNet.
While Covid-19 is impacting hospital resources and threatening safety of patients and staff, Dr. Brendon Stiles, a thoracic surgeon at Weill-Cornell Medical Center, reassured the SurvivorNet family that there is still hope for cancer treatment.
“You have to tell [patients] that we’re going to get through this and really just convince patients that we’re all in this together,” Dr. Stiles said. “Patients are doing surprisingly well.”
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.