Prostate cancer early detection is once again in the spotlight as Grey’s Anatomy star James Pickens Jr. opens up about his real-life prostate cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of PSA screening, awareness among African American men, and timely treatment decisions like radical prostatectomy. His story highlights why prostate cancer screening and education remain critical for high-risk communities.

Prostate cancer is once again back in the headlines. This time in the world of TV, as Grey's Anatomy actor James Pickens Jr. (known as Dr. Richard Weber on the show) shares his real-life prostate cancer journey, one that parallels his character's health struggles on the show.

Early Prostate Cancer Detection Through PSA Screening

Pickens, 73, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after his annual physical in 2024. This physical included checking his prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a key tool in prostate cancer screening. After his doctors noticed an increase in the numbers, he was sent to a urologist, who performed an MRI that revealed something suspicious. This observation prompted a biopsy, revealing the presence of a tumor in the prostate. Further analysis with a PET scan showed that his prostate cancer was still localized and had not spread.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors in African American Men

The actor's diligent awareness of his health enabled doctors to catch the prostate cancer early. Research has shown that African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. Pickens’ father, uncles, and some first cousins have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. So, being in a high-risk category for prostate cancer, Pickens began taking precautions. In his interview with Black Health Matters, he shared, "I started getting my annual physical 34 years ago. And I started my PSA testing when I was 41."

While primary prevention is limited, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends shared decision-making for PSA-based early detection beginning at age 50 or earlier for high-risk groups. Pickens buttressed the importance of early prostate cancer detection, explaining, "It was rare enough that they wanted to make sure that they were crossing all the T's and dotting all their I's. But they hadn't seen one that was detected as early as mine."

Prostate Cancer Treatment: Radical Prostatectomy

After his prostate cancer diagnosis, he was offered two treatment options: radiation therapy or radical prostatectomy. Following deliberation with his doctors, he opted for the latter. The radical prostatectomy surgery involves the removal of the prostate gland, which can be performed openly or laparoscopically. Pickens had his radical prostatectomy performed robotically by two urologists and stayed in the hospital for a day afterward. He had his last PSA blood test in September 2025, and the results came back undetectable. He is now cancer-free.

Movember and Prostate Cancer Awareness: Breaking the Stigma

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is in September, and November, also known as ‘Movember’, is dedicated to raising awareness about men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. During Movember, men worldwide grow facial hair to spark conversations about men's health.

Pickens is now sharing his prostate cancer story to remove the stigma men face in talking about their health. He noted, "How we view the medical community, especially as African American men—we know the history of that, and how far that goes back in terms of our trepidation about being tested and getting something as simple as a physical." In another interview with ABC 7 Chicago, he shared, "It is very prevalent in our community, and a lot of it goes undetected. So I wanted to do my little part to get the word out to say go get screened."

Prostate Cancer Statistics and the Importance of Screening

During their lifetime, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. This disease represents roughly 30% of new male cancers in 2025, with prostate cancer diagnoses peaking at ages 65–74. As Dr. Sachdev Thomas, a board-certified medical oncologist specializing in genitourinary cancers, shared with us in an interview, "When you have symptoms, please speak to your doctor. Prostate cancer screening is a very simple blood test, especially if you have a family history of someone with prostate cancer or even a relative with other cancers. Please make your physician aware and specifically request the PSA testing if it is not already part of your routine checkups."

About Author

Aishat Motolani serves as the Assistant Communications Manager at Binaytara, a nonprofit working to minimize cancer health disparities through global oncology programs and continuing medical education conferences for oncology healthcare professionals. She is also a lead writer for The Cancer News team.