Longtime area television anchor Dave Bention isn’t calling it a career yet, but he is stepping down from the anchor desk.

Benton is announcing on his Facebook page and on TV station WCIA  that he is pulling away from anchor duties, due mostly to his ongoing battle with a brain tumor first discovered a year and a half ago.

Benton says he found out two weeks ago that the tumor — which he has said will eventually claim his life — has grown despite chemotherapy.  “The treatments aren’t working and it’s affecting my ability to anchor the news,” says Benton, on Facebook.

Benton says, however, he hopes to continue to be with the station for a while longer, still delivering his signature “Crime Watch” reports weekdays at 5pm.

“Thank you for all your support, prayers, and well wishes,” Benton writes.  “It’s been an ‘interesting’ year and a half. My goal was to be in the anchor seat and do a good job. I hope I’ve done that. Now it’s time for the next step.”

Benton’s announcement comes not long after Channel 3 expanded its 6pm news to one hour.