SouthernWorldwide.com – Actor James Van Der Beek, widely recognized for his role in the iconic teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” has publicly shared a personal health update, announcing his diagnosis with colorectal cancer.
The news was revealed on Sunday, with Van Der Beek expressing a sense of optimism despite the challenging circumstances. He conveyed to People magazine that while he is privately managing this diagnosis, there are positive reasons to be hopeful, and he currently feels well.
“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,” Van Der Beek stated in a prepared statement.
His representative, Whitney Tancred, officially confirmed the diagnosis to CBS News, corroborating the actor’s personal announcement.
At 47 years old, Van Der Beek has chosen not to disclose further specific details regarding the nature or stage of his cancer diagnosis at this time.
Colorectal cancer, as described by the American Cancer Society, originates in either the colon or the rectum. Common symptoms associated with this condition can include the presence of blood in stool, alterations in bowel movement patterns, abdominal discomfort, a feeling of fullness or bloating in the stomach, unintentional weight loss, episodes of vomiting, and persistent fatigue.
Despite this significant personal health challenge, Van Der Beek remains actively engaged in his professional endeavors. He is slated to appear in the forthcoming Tubi film titled “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” which is scheduled for release on November 29.
The actor first achieved widespread fame for his portrayal of Dawson Leery, the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek,” a role he held from 1998 to 2003. Van Der Beek is married to Kimberly Brook, and the couple shares six children.
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Just prior to this announcement, on Friday, Van Der Beek had shared images on social media platforms depicting his family’s Halloween celebrations, showcasing a seemingly normal and joyful family gathering.
