When actor and long-time television doctor James Pickens Jr. stepped into his own physician’s shoes, he faced a reality familiar to many men: a prostate cancer diagnosis. After decades playing Dr. Richard Webber on Grey’s Anatomy, he learned that his personal risk, shaped by family history and race, had been quietly mounting.
A Family History That Set the Stage
Pickens grew up acutely aware of prostate cancer. His father, uncles, cousin, and even his cousin’s son had been diagnosed, reflecting patterns well-documented by national cancer statistics: prostate cancer can be inherited, and men of African ancestry face higher risk. Beginning in his 40s, he committed to yearly physicals and early PSA testing — choices that would later prove lifesaving.
Early Screening Made the Difference
At a routine visit in 2024, Pickens’ PSA levels rose slightly. Although still within the “normal” range, the change prompted additional evaluation. An MRI revealed a suspicious region; a biopsy confirmed a localized tumor confined to a single quadrant of the prostate. Because it was detected early, Pickens and his physicians opted for robotic radical prostatectomy, a minimally invasive surgery to remove the prostate gland and surrounding tissues, with a surgeon controlling robotic arms from a console. It’s an approach with a strong track record for early-stage disease and favorable long-term outcomes.
Why He’s Speaking Out
Pickens has since chosen to speak publicly about his experience, emphasizing how vital it is for men — especially Black men — to overcome mistrust, stigma, or fear around preventive care. “We know the history of that mistrust,” he said, recalling community screening events he helped support. “In more than one case, we ran into brothers who had never had a physical.”
Expert Perspective From the GW Cancer Center
Michael Whalen, MD, urologic oncologist at the GW Cancer Center, says Pickens’ story mirrors what he sees in clinical practice daily. “Prostate cancer is often silent until it’s advanced,” Whalen notes. “What saved Mr. Pickens was not luck, it was vigilance. When men know their family history and begin PSA testing early, we can find prostate cancer at a point when it’s most treatable. His experience is a powerful reminder that early detection is not just recommended; it’s lifesaving.”
Whalen also stresses that rising PSA, even within the normal range, deserves attention: “It’s the trend that matters. A small increase can be the clue that prompts us to look deeper, just as it did in this case. Also, these days we have many blood- and urine-based biomarker tests that can better explain this rise and determine who is best served with prostate biopsy. So, just because someone has a rising PSA does not automatically mean that he will undergo a biopsy. Hopefully that will remedy some of the fear or hesitation around having the PSA level checked."
What This Means for our Community
Pickens’ journey underscores several essential truths:
- Know your risk. Age, family history, and ancestry play real roles. Men of African descent face disproportionately higher incidence and mortality.
- Screening matters. A baseline PSA and early, repeated testing can detect subtle changes that warrant further evaluation.
- Open conversation saves lives. Discussing symptoms, family history, and concerns with a provider removes stigma and builds trust.
- Early-stage treatment offers strong outcomes. When prostate cancer is detected before it spreads, today’s surgical and radiologic options provide excellent control.
- Community outreach works. Bringing screening into trusted community spaces —barbershops, churches, neighborhood centers — helps men engage earlier and more often.
A Message from the GW Cancer Center
At the GW Cancer Center, advancing men’s health means connecting evidence-based care with prevention, education, and equitable access. Stories like Pickens’ help break down barriers and empower men to choose early screening.
If You Have Concerns or Questions
- Ask your provider about whether PSA testing is right for you
- Share your family history and ancestry openly
- Discuss follow-up options if your PSA begins to rise
- Maintain regular check-ups starting in your 40s (or earlier if at high risk)
- Contact the GW Cancer Center’s Urological Oncology Program to speak with a urologic oncology specialist
Reference:
Corbett, C. “Grey’s Anatomy Doc Shares His Real-Life Health Diagnosis.” Black Health Matters, 11/19/2025.
