Actor James Pickens Jr., known to millions for his role as Dr Richard Webber on Grey’s Anatomy, has shared his personal experience with prostate cancer - a decision he hopes will encourage more men, especially Black men, to understand their risk and speak to a health professional sooner.
Pickens, now 73, was diagnosed after his annual physical in 2024. For him, the news was not entirely unexpected. Prostate cancer has affected many men in his family across generations. That family history meant he was diligent about monitoring his health - something that ultimately made all the difference.
“My urologist said it worked in my favour,” he shared.
“Because I was so consistent with my testing, they were able to catch it early.”
During his check-up, elevated PSA levels led to a referral to a urologist. A biopsy confirmed a tumour, and a PET scan showed it hadn’t spread. Given his early diagnosis, Pickens was able to choose between radiation or surgery. He opted for a robotic prostatectomy, supported by a team who kept a close eye on a rare cancer variant found during testing.
“They told me they hadn’t seen one detected as early as mine,” he said - a powerful reminder of what’s possible when cancer is identified in time.
Pickens has spoken openly about the stigma that often surrounds men’s health, especially conversations about prostate cancer. Many men delay seeking help, feel uncertain about what’s normal, or worry about “making a fuss”. These barriers are even more pronounced for Black men, who face a higher risk due to genetic and structural factors.
“One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer,” he said in a recent public message. “For Black men, the risk is even higher. His story reinforces a truth we hear across healthcare: the earlier prostate cancer is detected, the more options men have - and the better their outcomes can be.
"Early detection is key, and sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms.”
How do you know if you have prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer can be difficult to recognise in its early stages - not because people aren’t paying attention, but because the body often gives very few clues at the beginning. That’s why understanding your own baseline, your personal risk, and what feels normal for you is so important.
There isn’t one single sign to look out for. Instead, there are moments worth pausing on - small changes, shifts in how your body behaves, or a sense that something simply feels different.
You don’t need to be certain something is wrong before speaking to a doctor. You just need to notice a change.
For many men, that might look like:
- A change in the way you urinate - starting, stopping, or feeling different
- Going more often, especially at night
- A stream that feels weaker or slower than usual
- A lingering sense that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
- Or simply a feeling that something isn’t quite your normal
These changes don’t automatically mean prostate cancer. They’re far more often caused by benign prostate enlargement - a common part of ageing. But they are still worth a conversation, because the earlier any prostate issue is understood, the more options you have.
Your risk also changes over time. Growing older, having Black heritage, or having a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer can increase the chance of developing prostate cancer - which is why some people choose to check in sooner.
A doctor may talk to you about a PSA blood test - a simple blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen - a protein made by the prostate. It isn’t a diagnosis, and it doesn’t give all the answers - but it can offer a helpful starting point if you want to understand your risk more clearly.
What matters most is listening to your body. You know when something feels different. And you deserve to be taken seriously, to ask questions freely, and to have the right support at the right time.
