Today is the one year anniversary of the death of “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek from pancreatic cancer. Iowans who’ve lost loved ones to the disease are working to raise awareness in his honor.

Pancreatic cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. With the holidays approaching, many Iowans will be around family in the coming weeks and it may offer an ideal time to have a conversation about the risks. Mike Schreurs, a volunteer with the Iowa chapter of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network — or PanCAN, notes that experts suggest if there’s a family history of this deadliest of cancers, testing is likely warranted.

It’s estimated 600 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in Iowa this year and more than 500 of them will die. The fast-moving disease is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be vague and are often ignored until it’s too late.