Alex Trebek Offers a Message to Those Battling Cancer: “We Are Going to Become Survivors”

It’s been almost a year since Alex Trebek announced his Stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis, but the beloved Jeopardy host is still in good spirits. In a recent interview with Pittsburgh-area affiliate WPXI, Trebek said that the “great outpouring of warmth” from fans has been “a great help” as he receives treatment, which often leaves him exhausted and in terrible pain. The longtime host also offered a few kind words to Jeopardy fans who may be experiencing a similar health crisis, saying, “Let’s both agree that we’re going to become survivors.”

Last week, Trebek sat down with WPXI’s Jennifer Tomazic to discuss his long tenure on Jeopardy, his battle with pancreatic cancer, and more. “All of the cards and letters I’ve received, giving me advice, offering prayers for me, have really touched me,” he said. “The response from people all over America and Canada with regard to my current health situation is humbling, really. I had no idea that our show and myself had such an impact on the lives of so many people out there.”

Trebek also draws strength from other people battling cancer or other serious health issues. “There are a lot of people out there who have been informed that they have cancer, they have heart problems, serious other diseases, they have Parkinson’s, whatever, you name it. But they have to deal with it, and that’s what I have to,” he said. “But they don’t have that great outpouring of warmth and prayerful thoughts coming from people all over America and that’s been a great help to me.”

“My response has been the same for all of these people,” continued Trebek. “Let’s both agree that we’re going to become survivors.”

Despite his nearly yearlong cancer battle, Tomazic reports that Trebek is as involved on the Jeopardy set as ever before. During commercial breaks, he interacted with the audience, answering their questions and showing off his trademark sass. Jeopardy staffers tell WPXI that Trebek is often the first person in the office, and he spends his mornings reading through the day’s questions and speaking with producers. “He is truly hosting the show,” said executive producer Harry Friedman. “He’s not just reading the clues. He’s delivering the clues, he’s presenting the clues, he’s acting them out, when necessary.” And he’s doing a damn fine job of it.

Watch Trebek’s interview with WPXI here. Jeopardy airs every Monday to Friday; to find the exact time and channel in your area, visit the Jeopardy website.

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