Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek explains why he was forced to announce colorectal cancer diagnosis early

Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek has explained why he was forced to announce a colorectal cancer diagnosis prematurely.

The actor, who is also known for featuring in the movie Varsity Blues, disclosed the health update in a statement provided to People.

"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 told the magazine.

"There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."

James Van Der Beek has revealed a cancer diagnosis (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images for Operation Smile)

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum, with symptoms of the disease including a change in normal bowel habit or blood in your poo.

Just a matter of hours after Van Der Beek confirmed his cancer diagnosis to People, the actor took to Instagram to explain why the news released sooner than expected.

Alongside a video montage featuring snaps of himself and his family, the actor penned: "Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them.

"There’s no playbook for how announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms.

"But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news."

He continued: "I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.

"Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… 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."

James Van Der Beek was forced to announce the health update prematurely (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Van Der Beek finished his Instagram post with a message for all the support he and his family have received.

"Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support," he concluded the Instagram post.

The father of six has continued to work despite his cancer diagnosis, with the actor starring in the movie Sidelined: The QB and Me, which is set to release on November 29 on Tubi.