Former CTV Windsor anchor shares prostate cancer journey, urges men to get screened

Former CTV Windsor anchor Jim Crichton in Windsor, Ont., on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. (Chris Campbell/CTV News Windsor)

A familiar face in Windsor-Essex news is now sharing a deeply personal story, hoping it encourages others to take their health seriously.

Jim Crichton, who retired from CTV News Windsor in 2021, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023—after what he describes as a subtle change in his nightly routine.

“Being a man of a certain age, I thought I was getting up more often than I’d like to in the course of the night,” Crichton said. “That led to a visit to a doctor.”

A biopsy later confirmed cancer.

Crichton said the disease progressed slowly, allowing him time to explore his options. After nearly two years of monitoring and consultations, he underwent radiation treatment in the fall of 2025 at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre.

“The actual procedure was absolutely painless,” he said. “I feel blessed… I’ve been very fortunate.”

Now recovering and continuing hormone therapy, Crichton says the experience has shifted his perspective.

“Life is for the living,” he said. “Another 10 years sounds pretty good, but another 15 or 20 sounds even better. So that’s why I decided to do something.”

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in Canada, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates about 29,300 men will be diagnosed in 2026, representing roughly 23 per cent of all new cancer cases in men. An estimated 5,300 men are expected to die from the disease this year.

Crichton says one of the biggest dangers is how easily it can go unnoticed.

“There was nothing that announced that I had cancer,” he said. “I felt the same as usual… the only telltale was I was getting up a number of times in the night.”

That’s why he’s now speaking out as one of three ambassadors for the “Show Us Your Brave” campaign, led by the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation.

Executive director Houida Kassem says the campaign encourages people to step outside their comfort zones while supporting those facing cancer.

“People in our community can hear the words, ‘you have cancer.’ They have no choice but to be brave,” Kassem said. “So how do we support them? You could do something bold in order to do that.”

Kassem said Crichton’s willingness to share his experience makes a meaningful impact.

“For him, it was a way of giving back,” she said. “And as he said to me, if I help one person, then I’ve done my job.”

Funds raised through the campaign help ensure local patients have access to equipment and care not fully covered by the province.

“It really makes a substantial difference when our community pulls their resources,” Kassem said.

For Crichton—who spent decades telling other people’s stories—the message is simple.

“Gentlemen, I’d say it’s very important that you talk to your doctor about this,” he said. “Time is on your side… but don’t waste time. Get screened.”

The “Show Us Your Brave” campaign officially launches May 1.