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Alex Trebek Vows to Continue Taping 'Jeopardy!' Even While Battling Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer

Pedro Marrero
Mar 14, 2019
06:14 A.M.

Alex Trebek is back at work, as he said, almost a week after sharing his diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

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Alex Trebek resumed taping of "Jeopardy!" on Tuesday, his first time on set since he announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. "We're recording today, and Alex is here as scheduled," said a Sony spokeswoman who produces the TV show.

Trebek, 78, said last week that he would continue working after receiving his diagnosis since he still has three years on the contract. Tuesday was the first scheduled production day on "Jeopardy!" since the sad announcement Trebek gave last Wednesday.

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According to a spokeswoman for Sony Pictures, the show records on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Trebek had already finished recording on Wednesday when he posted the YouTube video with the announcement.

"I will fight against this," he said in the YouTube ad. "And I will continue working, and with the love and support of my family and friends, and with the help of their prayers, I also plan to overcome the statistics of low survival rate for this disease."

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Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, killing more people than breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Rates are rising faster than any other cancer in the country.

Trebek said "I have to" get over it "because, according to the terms of my contract, I have to submit 'Jeopardy!' For three more years."

The television industry and fans from around the world have gathered around Trebek. Twitter and Facebook account for "Jeopardy!" He posted a thank you message last Friday.

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"The outpouring of good wishes and support in response to Alex's recent health news has been humiliating and overwhelming," the program wrote. "Please, know that your messages are being transmitted to you and they are very appreciated, everyone in Jeopardy! Thank you."

"Jeopardy!" occupies a stage in a lot of Sony Pictures in Culver City, California. The program usually has two days of production per week, when several episodes of the daily program are recorded in a row. So the program continues on the track, which is consistent with what Trebek said in his recorded announcement.

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Cancer is a horrible disease, and Lisa Swayze knows this firsthand; she lost her husband of 34 years, Patrick Swayze to cancer in 2009. Knowing how difficult the battle with cancer can be, Lisa was one of the first to reach out to the "Jeopardy" host with the tweet.

Although the news shared in the clip was sad, many are hopeful due to Trebek's determination that all will be well at the end. Many people used the medium to pour out their good wishes for the host who made it clear he is not leaving the show even though he is sick.

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