An American news anchor working for the WCIA Channel 3 news in Illinois told viewers on the show on Thursday that he has brain cancer and only six months to live.

In a heart-breaking video Benton explained to viewers the update he had received from his doctors. He said: “I told you a few weeks ago that my brain cancer is back. What I have learnt in the last few days is that basically it’s too big for surgery or radiation. My doctors have told me I may have four to six months to live.”

Benton’s co-presenter, Jennifer Roscoe, introduced his announcement saying they had some “serious stuff to discuss” and that they were “open-book” on the show and wanted to share something with the viewers they had known for a while. She also praised Benton’s strength and attitude.

The presenter said that he was going to try anti-body treatment and some chemo intended to slow the growth of his brain tumour. He also said that, as a born-again Christian, he believed he was in God’s hands and that the goal now was to have the best last days.