Alex Trebek, who died Nov. 8 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, has left some departing words about the deadly disease in honor of World Pancreatic Cancer Day.
During the beginning of Thursday’s episode of “Jeopardy!”, the late veteran TV personality shared a pre-taped message on the day dedicated to raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer.
Trebek urged anyone who has experienced symptoms of the disease to seek out medical attention and get tested.
“If you or anyone you know has developed some of the symptoms that I have talked about in the past, then by all means, get to a doctor, get yourself tested. I want you to be safe,” he said. “This is a terrible, terrible disease.”
The show also posted a quote from Trebek’s wife.
“It’s about time we stop taking for granted the preciousness of each day and start living in the full experience of kindness and coherency,” Jean Trebek said in the Twitter post.
Trebek, who hosted “Jeopardy” for over 35 years, died at the age of 80 after being diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in March 2019.
Last fall, he wished he had been aware of the warning signs in a public service announcement.
“I wish I had known earlier that the persistent stomach pain I experienced prior to my diagnosis was a symptom of pancreatic cancer,” he said.
Despite his diagnosis, the six-time Emmy Award winner continued working up until about 10 days before his death.
The episodes he recorded will run through Christmas Day.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be an estimated 57,600 new cases and 47,050 deaths related to pancreatic cancer.
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, civil rights pioneer Rep. John Lewis and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin are a few iconic figures who died to the disease in recent years.
