Longtime "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebeck shared bad news on Wednesday: He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer earlier in the week. In a video announcement, the 78-year-old opened up about his health and reassured fans that he plans to fight -- and win.

Trebek was open about the fact that the prognosis for the disease is "not very encouraging." Still, he intends to beat the odds -- and keep working while he does it. The host, who took on the job in 1984, joked that he has no choice but to get healthy given that he has three years remaining on his current "Jeopardy!" contract.

"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," he said. "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."

Watch Trebek's full video below.

Trebek did not disclose his plans for treatment or how they may impact the show. Whatever the case, we wish him the best and look forward to at least three more years of him nudging contestants to "make it a true Daily Double."