James Pickens Jr., a longtime star of Grey’s Anatomy, is speaking publicly about a serious health challenge he has faced in real life. The actor, best known for portraying Dr. Richard Webber for more than two decades on the hit ABC medical drama, recently revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Following the midseason finale that aired on Thursday, Nov. 13, ABC broadcast a public service announcement featuring Pickens Jr. In the video, he encouraged men—particularly Black men—to take prostate cancer screenings seriously and to prioritize early detection.

“About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives,” Pickens Jr. said in the PSA. “For Black men, that risk is even higher. The good news is that prostate cancer is very treatable, but catching it early is critical, especially because there are often no obvious symptoms.”

The actor emphasized that early screening made a life-changing difference for him. “Today, I’m living proof that early detection saves lives,” he added. “If you’re Black or if prostate cancer runs in your family, you should speak with your doctor about screening starting at age 40.”

Interestingly, Pickens Jr.’s on-screen storyline mirrored his real-life experience. In the closing moments of the Grey’s Anatomy midseason finale, Dr. Webber confides in Dr. Miranda Bailey (played by Chandra Wilson) that he has been diagnosed with cancer. Shortly after, Pickens Jr. chose to share his own story publicly, hoping to spark important conversations around men’s health.

He has since partnered with Black Health Matters, an organization focused on improving health outcomes in Black communities, to spread awareness about prostate cancer prevention and early testing.

According to Pickens Jr., his diagnosis was not entirely unexpected. “Prostate cancer has run through my family,” he told Black Health Matters. “My father had it, and several of his brothers did as well. Given that history, I would have been more surprised if I hadn’t developed it.”

Despite this family history, he noted that none of his relatives, to his knowledge, died from the disease—something he attributes to vigilance and medical care. Pickens Jr. began undergoing PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing at age 41, a decision that likely played a crucial role in identifying the cancer early.

The PSA test measures levels of a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous prostate tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic, elevated PSA levels can indicate the need for further evaluation.

“My urologist told me that being consistent with my screenings worked in my favor,” Pickens Jr. explained. “Because I was diligent, they were able to catch it very early.”

He recalled that a routine blood test last year showed elevated PSA numbers, which led to a referral to a urologist. A biopsy later confirmed the presence of a tumor. Doctors presented him with two treatment options—radiation therapy or surgery. Ultimately, he chose to undergo a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy, during which part of his prostate was removed.

“We caught it early enough that surgery seemed like the best path,” he said. “I also have a rare variant of prostate cancer, one that isn’t commonly seen. Because of that, my doctors wanted to be extremely cautious and monitor everything closely. They told me they hadn’t often seen this type detected as early as mine.”

Medical experts note that Black men face a significantly higher risk when it comes to prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation reports that approximately one in six Black men will develop the disease and that they are more than twice as likely to die from it compared to men of other racial groups.

A 2022 medical literature review found that prostate cancer in Black men is more likely to appear at a younger age, progress more aggressively, and result in higher mortality rates. Researchers point to systemic and institutional factors—such as healthcare access disparities, economic barriers, cultural mistrust, and gaps in physician-patient communication—as contributing causes.

By sharing his story, Pickens Jr. hopes to encourage men to overcome fear and hesitation surrounding medical checkups. “This is about taking control of your health,” he has said, stressing that conversations and screenings can truly save lives.

Grey’s Anatomy is currently on hiatus following the Nov. 13 episode and is scheduled to return with new episodes on Jan. 8, 2026, airing weekly on ABC.