James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and has been privately dealing with the diagnosis and ‘taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family’.

James Van Der Beek has shared a devastating update (Image: undefined)

James Van Der Beek has disclosed that he’s battling colorectal cancer. 

The Hollywood actor opened up about his condition in a statement to PEOPLE published on Sunday, November 3, revealing: “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 continued by expressing a positive outlook: “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Colorectal cancer typically starts in the colon or rectum, comprising the large intestine or bowel, as explained by the American Cancer Society (ACS).

James is known for his starring role in Dawson’s Creek (Image: Getty Images)

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Sometimes referred to as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on its origin, survival rates for the disease have seen remarkable improvements.

Sharing ACS estimates for 2024, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance highlighted in January the notable progress made in tackling these cancers.

According to ACS data, mortality in men has decreased by 55% since 1980, and women have experienced a 60% decrease since 1969.

James with his wife (Image: James Van Der Beek/Instagram)

Further, between 2012 and 2021, death rates declined annually by 1.8% for individuals 55 years old and above.

These improved survival rates are attributed to factors like reduced smoking, increased screenings, and advanced treatments.

Despite grappling with his diagnosis, James has remained active with ongoing and future projects.

The actor, famed for his role as Dawson in Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003, recently made an appearance on an episode of CW’s Walker and is set to star in a Tubi original movie titled Sidelined: The QB and Me, slated for release on November 29.

In December, James will feature in a two-hour Fox special, The Real Full Monty, where various celebrities will strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.

Joining him are actor Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, MTV’s Teen Wolf star Tyler Posey, and Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli.

The special, executive produced by actor Anthony Anderson, draws inspiration from the 1997 film, The Full Monty, and a popular UK unscripted format of the same name where celebrities undress to raise funds for cancer.

Amidst his work commitments, James also devotes time to his family with wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.

They are parents to six children – Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. The Rules of Attraction actor frequently shares glimpses of his family life on Instagram, including a recent post of trick or treating with his kids.