What Is Colorectal Cancer? James Van Der Beek Optimistic And 'Feeling Good' Despite Diagnosis

James Van Der Beek, beloved for his roles in Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues, has revealed he has been privately battling colorectal cancer. The 47-year-old actor, known for his recent projects and family-focused life, shared his diagnosis with People, noting, "I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family." His outlook remains positive: "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good," he added.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, affecting both men and women. As Van Der Beek brings attention to this health issue, it's essential to understand what colorectal cancer is, the signs and symptoms, and the importance of early detection.

What Is Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the large intestine responsible for processing waste. According to Cleveland Clinic, this cancer typically begins with small growths, or polyps, in the colon's inner lining. If left untreated, these polyps can become cancerous and spread to other areas of the body.

The American Cancer Society explains that colorectal cancer often grows slowly and may remain undetected for years, making regular screening critical for early detection and prevention.

Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer

One of the challenges in detecting colorectal cancer early is that symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for less severe digestive issues. However, there are several key warning signs to watch for:

• Blood in Stool: Blood on or in the stool can be a sign of colorectal cancer. While other conditions like hemorrhoids may also cause blood, it's essential to have any unusual bleeding checked by a healthcare provider.
• Persistent Changes in Bowel Habits: Unexplained constipation, diarrhoea, or the feeling of incomplete bowel evacuation can signal colorectal cancer. Persistent changes lasting more than a few days should not be ignored.
• Abdominal Pain or Bloating: Unexplained stomach pain or bloating, especially if it's persistent, can be an indication of issues in the colon.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without dietary or activity changes may suggest an underlying health condition, including cancer.
• Fatigue and Shortness of Breath: These symptoms could point to anaemia, a condition that can sometimes accompany colorectal cancer due to internal bleeding.

Medical experts advise individuals, particularly those over 50, to discuss any of these symptoms with their healthcare provider. In recent years, younger people have also shown increased colorectal cancer rates, with a nearly 1.5% rise in cases annually among those aged 20 to 49, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Colorectal cancer risk factors include both genetic and lifestyle components. Family history, inherited conditions, and inflammatory bowel diseases increase susceptibility. Lifestyle choices, including smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high-fat diets, and lack of exercise, can also elevate the risk.

Preventive measures include adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, maintaining regular physical activity, limiting red and processed meat intake, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol. Routine screenings, like colonoscopies, are crucial for early detection, especially for those with increased risk factors. These screenings can help identify and remove polyps before they become cancerous.

A Personal Journey Inspiring Awareness

Van Der Beek's diagnosis comes just ahead of his scheduled appearance on The Real Full Monty, a special designed to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancers. Set to air on December 9, the programme will feature Van Der Beek alongside other male celebrities, including Taye Diggs and Bruno Tonioli, stripping down to promote cancer screenings. In a recent interview, Diggs revealed how the experience brought the group together: "Once we got there and really started to talk about these issues, everyone started opening up, and we got to know each other on a different level," he told People.

While Van Der Beek has continued to work on various acting projects, he has prioritised his family's support during this challenging time. Married to Kimberly Van Der Beek, the actor is the father of six children and has been sharing family milestones on social media, including a recent trip to Egypt.

The Importance of Early Detection

Colorectal cancer, when detected early, is often treatable and even curable. Screening options such as colonoscopies, faecal tests, and advanced imaging are effective at identifying pre-cancerous polyps. Healthcare providers generally recommend beginning screenings at age 50, but those with family history or other risk factors may need to start earlier.