Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek revealed he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and has been privately dealing with the news.
“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.
However, Van Der Beek added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. This type of cancer affects the large intestine and digestion, with a lifetime risk for men of 1 in 23. Early versions of the disease begin as noncancerous forms called polyps.
Despite the diagnosis, Van Deer Beek has a full slate ahead: In June, Deadline exclusively reported he had signed on to star in Sidelined: The QB and Me, an upcoming Tubi Original based on Wattpad’s breakout YA novel The QB Bad Boy and Me by Tay Marley. The actor also recently appeared in an episode of Walker.
In December, Van Der Beek is set to appear on The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special also featuring Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and veteran Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli as they strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.
Van Der Beek is best known for his role as the title character in Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons on The WB from 1998-2003. His other credits include Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction, Pose, How I Met Your Mother and One Tree Hill. The actor also portrayed himself in the sitcom Don’t Trust The B—- In Apartment 23.