Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek Reveals Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis: 'I'm Going to Fight This'

Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek shared the heartbreaking news Wednesday that's he's been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

He made the announcement via a video posted to the Jeopardy! YouTube page. "I have some news to share with all of you and it's in keeping with my longtime policy of being open and transparent with our Jeopardy! fan base," Trebek said. "I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health. ... Just like 50,000 other people in the United States each year, this week I was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer."

Fan were quick to flock to the video, sharing words of support and comfort for the beloved show host. As for the seriousness of the diagnosis, it's well known that stage 4 cancer, also known as advanced or metastatic cancer, is often a deadly diagnosis. Trebek is committed to fighting the disease though, which he confirmed in his video address.

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"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. Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! for three more years!" Trebek joked. "So help me. Keep the faith and we'll win. We'll get it done. Thank you."

Ultimately, it was a hopeful address, and you can't help but be encouraged by the fact that Trebek plans to continue working while he battles this disease.

Jeopardy! airs weeknights at 7/6c on ABC.