'Really hit me hard': Former Riders CEO talks about cancer following death of Sask. MLA
Former Saskatchewan Roughriders president and CEO Jim Hopson said the news of Sask. MLA Derek Meyers’ death on Tuesday was something that hit him hard.
Meyers, who was 45, died following a battle with cancer.
In an interview with CTV Morning Live, Hopson said Meyers was someone he knew well.
“[The news] really hit me hard, I got to know Derek very well during my time with the Riders and we stayed friends, his mom and dad live a couple of doors from us,” Hopson said.
“I saw Derek not that long ago and I knew he was in a heck of a battle but he was a good guy and just 45-years-old, it’s just devastating,” Hopson said.
Cancer is a disease that Hopson and those close to him know all to well.
In April of 2021 Hopson was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, something he said he hasn’t spoken much about.
“As I learned more about what was happening to me and what was happening with others I realized that colon cancer has really become a major killer of people,” Hopson said.
Hopson said he feels there is a stigma around colon cancer and not many people realize yet how common it is.
“If you start having issues make sure you get tested, especially if there’s a history in the family of the disease but even if not get checked get a colonoscopy that’s the best test.”
Hopson said some possible colon cancer symptoms people need to be aware of are diarrhea, constipation and an upset stomach.
“It sneaks up on you,” Hopson said. "The funny part was the day before my colonoscopy I was out cutting firewood at the lake and I felt great and when I woke up and I knew the doctor very well he was really devastated and he said. ‘Jim I have to tell you you’ve got stage four colon cancer’ and I thought ‘how could this happen’?” he said.
Hopson said he’s been very fortunate and is now two years into his battle after being told he had possibly a few months to live.
“The Allan Blair Cancer Clinic is phenomenal, I have not had a bad experience, I’ve had 37 chemo treatments, I’ve had two major surgeries and now I plan on being around for awhile.”
Hopson said if you think you have a problem, don’t be embarrassed and get yourself checked out.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
MPs agree Canadian gov't should improve new disability benefit
The federal government needs to safeguard the incoming Canada Disability Benefit from clawbacks and do more to ensure it actually meets the stated aim of lifting people living with disabilities out of poverty, MPs from all parties agree.
King Charles too busy to see son Prince Harry during U.K. trip
Prince Harry will not be seeing his father King Charles during his current visit to Britain as the monarch will be too busy, Harry's spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Trudeau's handling of Poilievre's 'wacko' House turfing a clear sign of Liberal desperation
When Speaker Greg Fergus tossed out Pierre Poilievre from the House last week, "those of us who have experience as parliamentarians simply couldn't believe our eyes," writes former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in his column for CTVNews.ca
Security guard shot, seriously injured outside of Drake's Toronto mansion
A security guard working at Drake’s Bridle Path mansion in Toronto was seriously injured in a shooting outside the residence early Tuesday morning, police said.
Katy Perry's mom was fooled by AI images of the singer at the Met Gala
Katy Perry did not attend the Met Gala on Monday, but some of the singer’s fans – and even her mom – thought she did.