'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek reveals stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis

(FOX 2) - Alex Trebek, the long time host of 'Jeopardy!' revealed he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer in a video posted to the trivia show's YouTube channel.

Trebek announced the diagnosis Wednesday and said he intends to finish the current season of 'Jeopardy!'.

Trebek pointed out that he is like 50,000 other people in the United States every year but promises to fight and keep working. He says he plans to beat the low survival rates with the love and support of his family and staff at 'Jeopardy!' as well prayers from viewers.

He said, tongue-in-cheek, that he has to because his contract goes for another three years.

Stage IV pancreatic cancer typically means it has spread to a distant organ, such as the liver or lungs, according to pancreatic.org.

Trebek has been the host of the show since 1984 and has dominated evening game shows ratings ever since. 

Reaction has poured in from around the country, including from Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak. 

The 78-year-old is originally from Ontario, Canada, and has teased who he would like to be his potential replacements in the past, including Alex Faust - the LA Kings hockey announcer.

This isn't his first medical issue. Last year, he took a brief leave for blood clots in his brain after a fall. No episodes featuring a guest host were ever aired.

Watch the video of his announcement below: