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James Van Der Beek shocked fans when he announced that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024. What has he said about his diagnosis and what updates has he shared about his health?
Does James Van Der Beek Have Cancer?
The Dawson’s Creek alum announced that he was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 47 on November 3, 2024.
“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 People. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
What Is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer “starts in the colon or the rectum,” according to the American Cancer Society. “These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common.”
Most forms of colorectal cancer “start as a growth on the inner lining of the colon or rectum” and the “growths are called polyps.”
James Van Der Beek Feels Hopeful About His Cancer Diagnosis
After James confirmed he was diagnosed with cancer, he reflected on the situation in a lengthy Instagram post shared on November 3, 2024.
“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,” he wrote, adding that his plan was “altered early this morning” when he learned that the news was going to leak earlier than he anticipated.
The Varsity Blues actor 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.”
James then apologized to “all the people” in his life that he planned on telling in person about his diagnosis. “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,” he continued.
“Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support,” he concluded in the caption, promising that there was “more to come.”
Shortly after James shared the message, several of his social media followers took to the comments section to send their condolences. “5 years out from my stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis. I’m sorry you have to go through this!!” one person commented. Another chimed in, “My dad had stage 4 in 1994 & is 82 today still going strong. We love you & sending prayers.”
“My wonderful friend, I’m sending you and your beautiful family all the love and prayers for your healing and complete recovery,” Busy Philipps, who appeared on Dawson’s Creek with James, added in the comments section.
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