(WJW) — “Grey’s Anatomy” star James Pickens Jr. has opened up about his prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. 

Pickens has played Dr. Richard Webber for 22 seasons on the Shondaland hit TV medical series.

In an interview with Black Health Matters, Pickens explained that the diagnosis wasn’t fun to hear, but wasn’t a shock either. He said his father, several brothers and a cousin of his have been diagnosed as well. 

According to Black Health Matters, the 71-year-old actor said he went for his annual physical in 2024. He was referred to a urologist to check his PSA levels, and although they were still in the normal range, he was told he needed to check again in one year. 

In January, Pickens’ PSA numbers were slightly higher than the previous year. He eventually underwent an MRI, where “something suspicious” was found, he said.

A biopsy revealed a tumor. Thankfully, a PET scan showed that the cancer had not spread and was isolated to one quadrant of the prostate.

According to Pickens, his cancer was caught “really early,” he told Black Health Matters.  

After weighing his options, Pickens decided to do a radical prostatectomy to treat his cancer. 

His radical prostatectomy was done robotically by two urologists. He stayed a day in the hospital afterward.

According to Pickens, he is sharing his story now to help remove the stigma that men have surrounding talking about their health. 

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1 in 6 Black men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.

According to the National Cancer Institute, inherited factors cause up to 60% of prostate cancer risk.

Click here to learn more about prostate cancer symptoms, causes and treatments.