James Van Der Beek, beloved actor and former star of Dawson’s Creek, recently opened up about his unexpected cancer diagnosis. At age 46, Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, a shocking revelation for the health-conscious actor who had no family history of cancer and took pride in his active lifestyle. Now, at 47, he’s sharing his journey to raise awareness and support others who may be silently battling similar health issues.
Why He’s Sharing His Story
In an interview with people, Van Der Beek explained his decision to go public with his diagnosis after initially keeping it private. “I’ve been dealing with this pretty much in secret for a while,” he shared, admitting that opening up about his journey has been cathartic. Now, he wants to raise awareness for a condition that is increasingly affecting younger adults. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 new cases of colorectal cancer are among people under 55, a statistic Van Der Beek hopes will encourage others to be vigilant about their health.
James Van Der Beek and his family at home in Texas on Oct. 29, 2024.
Signs and Symptoms That Led to the Diagnosis
In the summer of 2023, Van Der Beek began noticing irregularities in his bowel movements. Initially, he attributed these changes to dietary choices, making adjustments such as cutting out coffee. However, when these modifications didn’t help, he decided to consult a doctor and underwent a colonoscopy. What he thought was a precautionary measure turned into a life-altering moment when he learned he had cancer. “I think I went into shock,” he recalls of the moment the diagnosis was confirmed.
Facing Cancer Head-On
Since receiving the diagnosis, Van Der Beek has committed to fighting the disease with all available resources. While he’s chosen not to share specific details about his treatment, he’s hinted at undergoing a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. “If you’ve heard about it, I’ve probably touched on it,” he says, indicating his determination to explore every possible treatment avenue. This battle has been, in his words, a “crash course in the mastery of mind, body, and spirit,” forcing him to confront deep questions about life and resilience.
Dealing with Uncertainty
Despite his positivity, Van Der Beek admits that living with cancer is emotionally challenging, particularly given the uncertainties that come with the disease. “Is this healing me? Is this hurting me? Is this working?” he reflects, noting that the lack of definitive answers can be daunting. A naturally inquisitive person, he says the unknowns have been some of the hardest parts of his journey.
A Message of Hope and Healing
Van Der Beek remains “cautiously optimistic” about his recovery, sharing that his energy levels have improved and that he feels he’s on a path to healing. However, he is careful about discussing stages of recovery or remission until he’s certain he’s fully out of the woods. For now, he’s focused on living fully and staying present.
Family Support and a New Perspective
Van Der Beek finds strength in his family—his wife Kimberly and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwen, and Jeremiah. Reflecting on his motivations, he states, “I have a lot to live for,” expressing his gratitude for the love and support surrounding him as he navigates this challenging time.
By sharing his story, James Van Der Beek hopes to encourage others to prioritize their health and recognize that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of lifestyle or age. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and of facing life’s challenges with courage and openness.
