“Jeopardy!” Contestant Shares Heartbreaking Journey During Show To Spread Awareness

On Chris Burge’s teacher bio for the Cristo Ry Dallas website, it says he hopes to be on Jeopardy! The social studies teacher’s dream came true on November 19 when he made it to the show. Chris didn’t win the final Jeopardy! but he had an incredible moment with host Ken Jennings, discussing his cancer journey. Ken approached Chris about a mistake in the game and also allowed him to speak about something very personal.

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“I understand that you’re facing a health challenge right now that you wanted to talk about,” Ken said.

Chris then opened up about his health journey.  “I’ve been fighting stage four colon cancer since May,” Chris explained. “Young adult diagnosis’ have increased a lot in recent years. I definitely encourage people not to ignore any symptoms.”

Chris encouraged all Jeopardy! viewers to have cancer screenings. “And definitely go get tested, especially if you have any family history of it.”

Ken thanked Chris for his courage, saying, “Great word to get out there.”

The American Cancer Society recommends adults take a proactive approach to their health. “Screening tests are used to find cancer before a person has any symptoms. Screening can often help find and treat pre-cancers and cancers early, before they have a chance to spread,” their website reads.

Those at an average risk for colorectal cancer should begin regular screening at age 45. Additionally, women should undergo regular screenings for female cancers such as breast, cervical, and endometrial. Men should undergo prostate screenings beginning at age 50. Smokers and former smokers aged 50 to 80 should be screened for lung cancer.

Chris’ cancer announcement was not a first for Jeopardy! Long-time host Alex Trebek announced his own pancreatic cancer diagnosis in March 2019. Sadly, he died on November 8, 2020.

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