‘Grey’s Anatomy’ star James Pickens Jr. diagnosed with prostate cancer

James Pickens Jr. revealed his battle with prostate cancer after his “Grey’s Anatomy” character was diagnosed with the cancer in the midseason finale.

On ABC’s popular medical series, Dr. 73-year-old Pickens, who plays Richard Webber, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after an annual examination in 2024.

“This isn’t the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has shaken my family, too,” he said. Black Health Matters. “My dad had it. A lot of his brothers had it; a few of them had it. I’d be surprised if I didn’t get it.”

ERIC DANE SAYS HE WILL FIGHT ‘TILL HIS LAST BREATH’ IN THE ONGOING ALS BATTLE

He added: “I have a cousin who’s 90, he’s actually still alive; he had it. His son had it. A couple of his brothers had it. As far as I know, no one has succumbed to it.”

Because of a family history of the disease, Pickens is disciplined about monitoring his health.

‘GREY’S ANATOMY’ STAR KATE WALSH SHARES THE ‘VERY SUBTLE’ WARNING SIGNS BEFORE BRAIN TUMOR DIAGNOSIS

“My urologist said, ‘It’s in your best interest to be so meticulous about this part of your health. We were able to catch this so early because you were tested.'”

During his annual physical earlier this year, doctors referred Pickens to a urologist after noticing the actor’s elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels.

James Pickens Jr. as Dr. on “Grey’s Anatomy.” He plays Richard Webber. (ABC)

“He uncovered something, in his own words, questionable,” he recalled.

After the biopsy revealed the tumor, a PET scan was ordered and it was found that the cancer had not spread.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Doctors gave Pickens two options: he could undergo radiation or undergo a radical prostatectomy. He eventually opted for surgery to remove his prostate, which was performed robotically by two urologists.

Pickens has played Dr. Pickens on “Grey’s Anatomy” since the medical drama premiered in 2005. He played Richard Webber. (Anne Marie Fox)

“We caught it very early, so they thought that would be the best course of action,” he said. “I have a rare variant that you don’t see very often. They wanted to be cautious and keep an eye on it.”

Pickens added: “It was a rare case where they wanted to make sure they crossed all the T’s and dotted all the I’s. But they had never seen one detected as early as mine.”

DO YOU LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

APPLICATION USERS CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLICATION

Although his journey with cancer was personal, Pickens hoped that by sharing he could help eliminate the stigma men have when discussing their health.

“One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime,” he said in a PSA filmed for Black Health Matters. “For black men, the risk is even higher. Fortunately, prostate cancer is highly treatable, but early detection is crucial and sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.”

CLICK TO REACH THE FOX NEWS APPLICATION

He added: “Today, I’m living proof that early detection works. If you’re black or have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about getting screened from age 40.”