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.
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“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.”
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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.
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“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.
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He added that the “trickiest thing” about the experience is that there are “so many unknowns with cancer.”
James didn’t share too many details about his treatment, though he insisted that he’s currently feeling good. “I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great,” he shared. “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know.”
James Van Der Beek Is Selling Movie Merch to Help Pay for Cancer Treatments
James used the anniversary of one of his iconic films to help raise money for his cancer treatments, as well as help others in the same scenario.
“Merch drop! Excited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of #VarsityBlues with a limited edition #4 Moxon jersey — each one personally autographed by me,” he told fans in a November 22, 2024, Instagram post. James played Texas high school quarterback Mox in the 1999 sports film.
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After telling fans how they could purchase the autographed jerseys identical to the ones he wore in Varsity Blues, James added, “100% of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer, including my own.”
James Van Der Beek Encouraged Others to Get Tested for Cancer
The actor joined the lineup for The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special devoted to raising awareness for colorectal, prostate and testicular cancer testing and research scheduled to air on December 9, 2024.
“I think the message that we’re trying to put out to America, is that if we can stand onstage and strip in front of a thousand people, and do this dance, then you know what, hopefully that inspires you to get over that little hump and talk to your doctor. And get the test and get the screening. ‘Cause it can save your life,” James told E! News on December 2, 2024.
Giving a health update, he revealed to the outlet, “I’m doing great. Feeling good, feeling strong. In a good place.”