'Jeopardy!' gameshow host Alex Trebek announced on Wednesday, March 6, that he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. 

In a video posted online, Trebek said he wanted everyone to hear the news straight from him. "I also wanted to prevent you from reading or hearing some overblown or inaccurate reports regarding my health."

He says that he was given the diagnosis earlier this week.

"Now normally the prognosis for this is not very encouraging." However, he says, he's ready to fight the disease.

"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."

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