James Van Der Beek Reveals Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: 'There's Reason for Optimism'

Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role on the hit series Dawson’s Creek, has revealed he is battling colorectal cancer.

In an interview published by People magazine on November 3, Van Der Beek shared the news of his diagnosis and expressed hope about his prognosis.

“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately managing this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

NBC’s Today show has reached out to Van Der Beek’s representatives for further comment but has not yet received a response.

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer typically begins as polyps in the colon or rectum. These cancers are often grouped together due to their shared symptoms and similarities in development.

Van Der Beek, 46, has been married to Kimberly Van Der Beek since 2010. The couple has six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

On November 3, Kimberly shared a photo of cardinals along with a romantic quote on her Instagram Story, tagging her husband in a subtle show of support.

Just days earlier, the actor shared a glimpse into their family Halloween celebration from their home in Texas. In a post dated November 1, Van Der Beek reminisced about crafting his own costumes as a child.

“I made all my own costumes growing up. Didn’t really have a choice. But I loved it,” he wrote. “Must probably have been the first warning sign to my parents that I’d end up an actor.”

He also shared a heartfelt story about one of his daughters, who was upset when her angel costume failed to arrive in time. Channeling her father’s creativity, she fashioned her own halo from yellow yarn and garden wire.

“After acknowledging the tears, she was given the task of creating her own halo, which she worked on for HOURS,” Van Der Beek wrote. “The look of pride on her face upon seeing the finished product in the mirror was, for me… my favorite moment of Halloween.”