The erudite, Canadian-born host of a popular syndicated game show is battling an often fatal disease.

Alex Trebek, 78, revealed today on YouTube that he's been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer.

Despite this news, he plans to continue hosting Jeopardy!, quipping that he has three more years to fulfill in his contract.

And the Sudbury, Ontario native is counting on prayers from the audience, as well as the support of his family and friends, to help him beat the odds.

"Now normally, the prognosis for this is not very encouraging but I'm going to fight this," he pledged.