What type of cancer is James Pickens Jr. battling?

James Pickens Jr., the actor who plays Dr. Richard Webber on Grey's Anatomy, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

How did Pickens' proactive approach to health help him?

Pickens has been getting annual health check-ups for the past 34 years, and this year, his doctor flagged elevated PSA levels. Further tests confirmed the presence of a tumor, but the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate, allowing for early treatment.

Why is Pickens' diagnosis significant for the Black community?

Pickens shared that prostate cancer runs in his family, and the risk for Black men is higher. He is using his experience to raise awareness about the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings, especially for the Black community.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Grey's Anatomy Star Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Grey's Anatomy Star Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

15 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Actor James Pickens Jr. diagnosed with prostate cancer
Cancer runs in his family, so he was not surprised by diagnosis
Caught the cancer early through regular health check-ups

Grey's Anatomy Star Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

In a surprising twist, Grey's Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. has revealed that he is battling the same type of cancer as his character on the hit medical drama. Pickens, who has played Dr. Richard Webber on the show since 2005, shared that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year.

The 71-year-old actor explained that he was not entirely surprised by the diagnosis, as prostate cancer has run through his family for generations. Pickens' father and several of his uncles had also been diagnosed with the disease. "It's not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family," he said in a recent interview.