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Grey's Anatomy Star Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
15 Nov
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
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.
Fortunately, Pickens' proactive approach to his health has paid off. For the past 34 years, he has been getting annual check-ups, and this year, his doctor flagged that his PSA levels were elevated. Further tests confirmed the presence of a tumor, but thankfully, the cancer had not spread beyond the prostate. Pickens subsequently underwent a radical prostatectomy, and he is now doing well.
The actor is using his personal experience to raise awareness about the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings, especially for Black men, who are at a higher risk of developing the disease. "I'm living proof that early detection works," Pickens said, urging men to get checked regularly.
