James Van Der Beek, known for his pivotal role in the beloved teen drama "Dawson's Creek," has opened up about a personal health challenge he's currently facing. The 47-year-old actor took to Instagram on Sunday to reveal his diagnosis of colorectal cancer, sharing with his fans that he's been confronting the disease in private. "Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I'm one of them," Van Der Beek wrote in a post that included a reel of personal photos set to Richard LaForge's "Autumn Breeze."
Despite the news breaking earlier than he intended, due to a tabloid's impending report, Van Der Beek expressed a proactive and positive mindset, stating he's "been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before." The diagnosis was shared in greater detail in a statement obtained by ABC News, where he mentioned the desire to raise awareness and tell his story on his terms in collaboration with People magazine.
Colorectal cancer, as outlined by CBC News, begins in the colon or rectum and is typically signified by the development of polyps. The Canadian Cancer Society reports that in Canada, around 67% of those diagnosed with the condition survive at least five years post-diagnosis, although this can vary based on the cancer's stage. Van Der Beek's disclosure puts a spotlight on the vital importance of regular screenings, which can aid in both detection and prevention.
While sharing this significant health update, Van Der Beek also took the time to apologize to friends and family who found out through the press, his voice evident with sincerity. "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," Van Der Beek told ABC News.
Known for being a family man, Van Der Beek regularly shares updates of his life with his wife Kimberly and their six children on social media. Recently, he has appeared in an episode of "Walker" and is set to star in "Sidelines: The QB and Me," a film premiering on November 29. Even with his diagnosis, it seems the actor remains committed to his work and actively participating in projects that resonate with him.
