Veteran Fox 19 NOW anchor reveals prostate cancer diagnosis during live broadcast

Rob Williams, a veteran Fox 19 NOW anchor, disclosed on Morning Xtra that he has prostate cancer, a revelation presented during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. 'This is my announcement, I have prostate cancer,' Williams said during a Friday segment with longtime co-host Dan Wells.

At 55, Williams has been with Fox since 1995 and has helmed coverage and community events, including serving as emcee for the Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk. He told Wells he wasn't sure about going public but wanted to spark conversation among men about a disease that often goes undiscussed. The moment grew personal as the colleagues rose from their seats and shared a hug as Wells thanked him.

Two years earlier, a routine blood test flagged elevated prostate-specific antigen levels, prompting the diagnosis. 'I'm not worried about this at all,' Williams said, noting that people were surprised to learn he was living with cancer because he appeared healthy while continuing his regular activities.

During the interview, Williams described the cancer as something that can be slow-moving and emphasized the importance of early detection. 'Prostate cancer is the perfect cancer for guys because it moves so slowly,' he said, framing the disease in a way that underscored his own routine of staying healthy and active.

Williams also highlighted how to detect the disease: 'To find out whether you have prostate cancer is very easy - it's a blood test.' He disclosed that his own prostate-specific antigen reading was 13, well above the threshold of four.

Public reaction and support quickly followed. A longtime friend and former colleague, Frank Marzullo, posted on Facebook that Williams had remained positive throughout his journey and that the disclosure would help raise awareness about early detection. Wells, in a segment following the hug, thanked Williams and expressed support for his openness.

Beyond the live TV moment, Williams was preparing to participate in and emcee the Zero Prostate Cancer Run/Walk in Cincinnati at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove on September 27, according to event organizers. He said he looked forward to meeting survivors in the community as part of his ongoing advocacy around the disease.

Experts emphasize that prostate cancer remains a significant health issue for men, with screening and PSA testing offering a straightforward path to early detection. The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen in the blood; while a level below four is generally considered normal, higher levels warrant medical evaluation.