Canadian Cancer Society statement about the death of Alex Trebek

08 November 2020

Toronto -

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Canadian-born Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek from pancreatic cancer.

“Alex Trebek was part of the fabric of our country, bringing kindness and compassion into homes almost nightly as the host of Jeopardy! and through his previous career in journalism,” says Andrea Seale, CEO of CCS. “As we mourn alongside others worldwide, we also want to recognize and express our gratitude for the attention Alex brought to pancreatic cancer and the essential need for more research and clinical trials to address this disease. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans during this time of significant loss.”

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Canada and has the lowest 5-year survival rate of all the major cancers at only 8%. Only about half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer survive beyond 4 months. As prevention, detection and treatment options remain poor, research plays a crucial role in addressing the burden of pancreatic cancer.

As the voice for Canadians who care about cancer, CCS funds groundbreaking research, provides trusted information about cancer, offers programs and service to help people with cancer and their families cope, and shapes health policies to prevent cancer and support those living with the disease. Now more than ever, our online and phone support programs are critical to the people we serve including our toll-free cancer information helpline, online peer support community and live chat on cancer.ca. Access these free support services and share them with others. Visit cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333.”