In a poignant and deeply personal revelation, James Pickens Jr, the beloved actor who has portrayed Dr Richard Webber on Grey's Anatomy since its 2005 inception, has disclosed his own real-life battle with prostate cancer. This news comes as his on-screen character also receives a devastating cancer diagnosis in the show's recent midseason finale.
A Family History and a Proactive Approach
James Pickens Jr, 71, stated he was not entirely surprised by the diagnosis, given his strong family history of the disease. In an interview with Black Health Matters, the actor explained, "My father had it. He had a lot of brothers; several of them had it. I would have been surprised if I hadn’t gotten it." This family link prompted him to be exceptionally vigilant about his health, undergoing annual check-ups for an impressive 34 years.
It was during one of these routine screenings that his doctor identified elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels in his blood. This led to further investigation where an MRI detected "something suspicious" and a subsequent biopsy confirmed the presence of a tumour. Fortunately, the cancer was contained and had not spread beyond the prostate.
Treatment and Raising Awareness
Following the diagnosis, James underwent a radical prostatectomy. His proactive approach to health monitoring proved crucial. "We caught it really early, and so they thought that would be the best route to take," he shared. He also mentioned having a rare variant of the cancer, which led his medical team to "err on the side of caution."
Now using his platform to raise vital awareness, Pickens has taken to social media to share key statistics and advice. He highlighted that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the risk being significantly higher for Black men. He emphasised that the disease is highly treatable when detected early, but often presents no noticeable symptoms in its initial stages, making regular screening essential.
Life Imitating Art and a Message of Hope
The parallel between his fictional and real-life struggles has not been lost on fans. While the specific type of cancer affecting his character, Dr Webber, remains undisclosed for now, the storyline has added a profound layer of meaning to the actor's personal journey.
James Pickens Jr stands as a powerful advocate for early detection, declaring himself "living proof that early detection works." He continues to act and is doing well following his treatment. His story serves as a critical reminder for men, particularly those with a family history, to prioritise regular health screenings.
If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK.
