In a deeply personal revelation, James Pickens Jr., the esteemed actor renowned for his role as Dr. Richard Webber on the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, has shared that he is battling prostate cancer. The 71-year-old actor received the diagnosis earlier this year, a development that comes as his on-screen character also faces a cancer storyline.
A Family History and a Personal Diagnosis
Pickens disclosed his health condition in a candid conversation with Black Health Matters, a discussion later highlighted by Entertainment Weekly. He explained that the diagnosis, while unsettling, was not entirely unexpected due to a significant family history of the disease. "It's not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family," the actor stated. He revealed that his father and several of his uncles had been diagnosed with it, leading him to believe he would likely face it himself.
Fortunately, he noted that no one in his family has succumbed to the illness, citing a 90-year-old cousin and the cousin's son as others who have been affected. This family legacy prompted Pickens to be exceptionally vigilant about his health. For the past 34 years, since he was 41 years old, he has undergone regular PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing, a simple blood test used to screen for prostate cancer.
The Path to Diagnosis and Treatment
The actor's proactive approach proved crucial. In January of this year, his doctor noticed elevated PSA levels and immediately referred him to a urologist for further investigation. A subsequent MRI scan identified "something suspicious," and a biopsy confirmed the presence of a tumor. A key piece of positive news was that scans showed the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate.
To address the cancer, Pickens opted for a radical prostatectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the prostate gland. The surgery was performed robotically by two urologists. The actor mentioned that his cancer involved a rare variant, which led his medical team to be extra cautious. "We caught it really early," Pickens emphasized, explaining why surgery was considered the best course of action.
A Powerful Message on Early Detection
Drawing from his own experience, James Pickens Jr. is now using his platform to deliver a vital public health message. He has partnered with Black Health Matters to star in an educational video, urging men, particularly those in high-risk groups, to prioritize regular screenings.
He highlights the stark statistic that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, but the risk is even higher for Black men. "Fortunately, prostate cancer is highly treatable, but early detection is the key," he asserts. Pickens points out that there are often no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making proactive testing essential.
"Today, I am living proof that early detection works," he declared. His powerful advice is for Black men, or any man with a family history of the disease, to speak with their doctors about getting screened, potentially starting as early as age 40.
