Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek reveals colorectal cancer diagnosis, assures fans he’s ‘feeling good’ amid treatment

US actor James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

But the Dawson’s Creek star, who played the titular character Dawson Leery, assured fans he was “feeling good” as he came to terms with the diagnosis.

“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,” the 47-year-old told People.

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

Colorectal cancer, also called colon cancer, begins with cells that form inside the colon which can turn cancerous, according to the Mayo Clinic.

No further details regarding his diagnosis or treatment were shared.

US actor James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.  Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

The cast of Dawson’s Creek: Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Meredith Monroe Kerr Smith and Katie Holmes. Credit: Getty Images/Getty Images

Van Der Beek has six children with his wife Kimberly.

He recently shared photos of his family celebrating Halloween on Instagram.

“My six-year-old was devastated that her angel costume would not arrive in time for trick-or-treating,” he wrote in the caption.

“She was given the project of making her own halo, which she worked on for HOURS — wrapping yellow yarn around some garden wire.”

Once his daughter completed the halo, he wrote, “the look of pride on her face upon seeing the final project in the mirror was, for me… my favourite moment of Halloween”.

The actor is best known for playing the title role on teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003.

Recently, he had guest appearances on an episode of Walker and will appear in the Tubi movie Sidelined: The QB and Me later this month.

- With CNN