Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit 1990s series Dawson's Creek, announced over the weekend that he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The 47-year-old actor, who had intended to keep his health battle private, felt compelled to go public after a tabloid leaked news of his diagnosis.
In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Van Der Beek expressed his gratitude for his family's support and emphasized that he remains optimistic. "I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," he shared. "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."
Initially, the actor had planned to provide an in-depth interview to discuss his experience and raise awareness about the disease. However, when he learned that a tabloid intended to release the news prematurely, Van Der Beek addressed his condition in an Instagram post on Sunday. "Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline," he wrote. "But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention."
The actor's decision to go public has drawn an outpouring of support from fans, friends, and family. "Apologies to all the people in my life who I'd planned on telling myself," he wrote. Van Der Beek thanked his fans for their encouragement and noted that he would share more details in due time.
Colorectal cancer, a common but often preventable disease, affects roughly 150,000 Americans each year, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Colorectal cancer often begins as polyps, or small growths, in the colon or rectum that may develop into malignant tumors if left untreated. Although colorectal cancer is typically associated with people over 50, it can affect individuals of any age.
In sharing his diagnosis, Van Der Beek joins a growing list of public figures who have used their platform to raise awareness of the disease. Symptoms of colorectal cancer include abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and blood in stool. Experts stress that early detection can be critical to successful treatment outcomes, especially given that the disease is highly treatable when caught early.
On Sunday, Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, subtly acknowledged her husband's diagnosis by sharing a supportive post on her Instagram story. Accompanied by an image of two cardinals, a symbol often associated with love and guidance, her post featured a quote celebrating the power of enduring love. Married since 2010, the couple shares six children, whose presence has been a source of comfort and strength for the actor throughout this journey.
Despite the health setback, Van Der Beek has continued to stay active with his family, recently sharing photos from their Halloween celebration. In a post that featured his children in costumes, he described how his daughter, facing a last-minute costume issue, created her own angel halo. "The look of pride on her face upon seeing the final project in the mirror was, for me... my favorite moment of Halloween," he wrote. Moments like these, he implied, have brought joy and perspective during an otherwise challenging time.
The actor's diagnosis comes amid a broader awareness of colorectal cancer, a disease with both genetic and lifestyle risk factors. According to health experts, maintaining a diet high in fiber, limiting processed meats, and engaging in regular physical activity can reduce one's risk. Family history, inflammatory bowel conditions like Crohn's disease, and certain genetic mutations may also contribute to one's susceptibility to the disease.
Health professionals emphasize the importance of regular screenings, particularly for individuals over 45, as these can detect and remove pre-cancerous polyps before they develop further.
