Fans have been rallying around James Van Der Beek since news of his colorectal cancer diagnosis surfaced, sparking concerns for the actor best known for his role on Dawson’s Creek. Van Der Beek’s celebrated career, spanning nearly three decades, has been marked by memorable performances and a dedicated fan base. Now, with this diagnosis, fans are eager to understand the actor’s health situation and his prognosis.
So, what happened to Van Der Beek? Here are the details.
What happened to James Van Der Beek?
Van Der Beek recently confirmed to People outlet about battling Colorectal Cancer secretly.
The actor shared that his journey has included medical treatment and unwavering support from his family. He expressed gratitude for his loved ones, saying, “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.”
Additionally, he also shared a long statement on Instagram, disclosing his diagnosis and assuring everyone that he is in a “good place.” Fans and loved ones took to the comment section to share their best wishes for his speedy recovery and showered blessings.
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer can either be called colon or rectum cancer depending on where it began developing. Mostly, the cancer begins when polyps (abnormal growth of tissue) develop in the inner lining of the colon or rectum. If not treated, it can grow into blood or lymph vessels or may even spread to different parts of the body, making it risky.
Despite his health challenges, Van Der Beek has continued to remain active in the entertainment industry. He recently appeared on We Are Family, an American game show, where he joined for its season finale. Additionally, he had a brief appearance on the popular TV series Walker, where he portrayed a new neighbor in the story, per IMDb.
He is also set to appear in The Real Full Monty, a 2 hour special, set to raise awareness for testicular, prostate, and colorectal cancer testing and research.