James Van Der Beek reveals battle with bowel cancer: Dawson’s Creek star opens up about diagnosis| Entertainment & Arts Updates
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has revealed that he has received a diagnosis of bowel cancer.
The 47-year-old American actor, known for his role as Dawson Leery in the popular drama series, shared the news with US outlet People on Sunday, stating that he has colorectal cancer.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, originates in the colon or rectum, which are part of the large intestine in the digestive system.
According to Cancer Research UK, it is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, with approximately 42,900 individuals diagnosed each year.
Van Der Beek expressed, “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to address it, with the support of my amazing family.”
“There is optimism, and I’m feeling positive.”
The 47-year-old actor is best known for playing Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek. Pic: Columbia Tristar/Everett/Shutterstock
He mentioned that he has been focusing on spending time with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
The actor, who has also appeared in Don’t Trust The B—- In Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, and the FX drama Pose, shared the news of his diagnosis on Instagram as well.
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Van Der Beek shared that he had intended to discuss his diagnosis with People magazine in detail in the future, but decided to announce it on Sunday morning “when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news”.
He added, “I’ve been handling this privately until now, receiving treatment and focusing on my overall health more than ever before.
“I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been a challenging experience, and I’ll share more when I’m ready.”
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In December, Van Der Beek will be participating in the Fox special The Real Full Monty, where male celebrities will strip naked to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
