James Pickens Jr. Reveals He’s Cancer-Free After Prostate Diagnosis

November 18, 2025

James Pickens Jr. , who portrays Dr. Richard Webber on Grey's Anatomy, publicly disclosed his prostate cancer diagnosis through a public service announcement that aired at the conclusion of a November episode. After experiencing elevated PSA levels in early 2024 and January 2025, medical tests revealed a tumor, which he had removed through robotic radical prostatectomy surgery.

Who is affected

James Pickens Jr. (Grey's Anatomy actor)
Black men (specifically targeted audience for screening awareness)
Pickens' family members (father and several uncles who had prostate cancer)
Grey's Anatomy viewers and Pickens' fans

What action is being taken

Pickens is advocating for early cancer screenings through public service announcements
Pickens is directing viewers to Black Health Matters for information
Pickens is sharing his cancer-free status and encouraging others to get checked via Instagram

Why it matters

This matters because prostate cancer disproportionately affects Black men, and Pickens' public disclosure using his celebrity platform raises awareness about the critical importance of early detection. His personal story, combined with his family history, demonstrates both the hereditary risk factors and the life-saving potential of regular screenings and early intervention. By sharing his experience during a prime-time television show and through social media, he reaches a wide audience that may be motivated to seek preventive care.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle