“Grey’s Anatomy” star James Pickens Jr. revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in an emotional Public Service Announcement.
Pickens said his cancer was caught early and he underwent surgery to remove his prostate. today he is cancer-free.
Pickens, 73, shared his health update in an emotional PSA at the end of a recent episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“I’m living proof that early detection works,” he said. He then posted a message on his social media, writing: “Hi Friends, I’m blessed and grateful to be cancer-free. Thanks so much for all the love and support! Get checked!”
James and his wife, Gina Taylor-Pickens, attended the 35th Annual DIVAS Simply Singing! Anniversary Gala on November 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Since he has a family history of cancer, Pickens got tested regularly.
In 2024, a routine blood test revealed elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood levels.
A normal PSA level for men over 60 is below 4.0 ng/mL. Pickens’ PSA level was in the triple digits.
In January 2025, Pickens’ doctor referred him to a urologist. A biopsy revealed a tumor in his prostate.
“It’s not the kind of news anyone wants to hear, but to be honest, prostate cancer has run through my family. My father had it. He had a lot of brothers; several of them had it. I would have been surprised if I hadn’t gotten it,” said Pickens, who has played Dr. Richard Webber in Grey’s Anatomy since the show’s debut in 2005.
Pickens is not out of the woods yet. He still must undergo screenings to make sure the cancer doesn’t return.
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