Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, 47, diagnosed with cancer

James Van Der Beek, the 47-year-old star best known for his role in Dawson's Creek, has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek revealed on Sunday that he is currently battling cancer and drawing strength from his family during this challenging time.

He disclosed that he has been "privately dealing" with the diagnosis and is actively taking steps towards recovery. The actor, who first appeared on screens in a 1993 episode of Clarissa Explains It All, remains optimistic about overcoming the illness.

Speaking to People magazine, Van Der Beek said: "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 continued by expressing a positive outlook: "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."

Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that affects the colon and rectum, part of the large bowel. It's one of the most prevalent cancers in the UK but can often be successfully treated if detected early through screening programs, reports the Mirror.

The NHS lists key symptoms to be vigilant of, including changes in bowel habits such as unexpected soft stools, episodes of diarrhoea or constipation that aren't normal for the individual, detecting blood in the stool which may appear red or black, feeling the need to defecate even after leaving the toilet – all alert signals alongside other indicators such as abdominal pain, bloating and unexplained weight loss. Meanwhile, in a heartfelt revelation on social media, actor James discussed his family's Halloween activities, explaining that he and his wife Kimberly Brook had taken their six children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah trick-or-treating.

He shared snaps of the family dressed in Halloween costumes and reminisced: "I made all my own costumes growing up. Didn't really have a choice. But I loved it. Should probably have been the first warning sign to my parents that I would end up an actor."

James also narrated a touching episode where his youngest was upset about her angel costume not arriving in time: "But in a SPIRIT HALLOWEEN world... my six year-old was devastated that her angel costume would not arrive in time for trick-or-treating. After acknowledging the tears, she was given the project of making her own halo, which she worked on for HOURS - wrapping yellow yarn around some garden wire. Focused in a way might not have believed possible. And the look of pride on her face upon seeing the final project in the mirror was, for me... my favorite moment of Halloween."

James has been gracing our screens in film and TV since the early 90s, but he's still most recognised for his role as Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama Dawson's Creek. The show also kick-started the careers of Oscar nominee Michelle Williams, Batman actress Katie Holmes, and Canadian star Joshua Jackson.

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