James Van Der Beek Opens Up About Stage Three Colorectal Cancer Battle
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A diagnosis of stage three colorectal cancer has prompted actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson in Dawson’s Creek, to publicly share his health journey. The actor detailed his experience in a December 19 interview on the Today Show with Craig Melvin, revealing he received the diagnosis in November 2024 and has been navigating treatment privately.
Initial Diagnosis and Private Struggle
Van Der Beek initially kept his diagnosis confidential, expressing gratitude for the support of his “incredible family” and maintaining a hopeful outlook. He emphasized feeling “good” despite the challenging circumstances. The interview was conducted at his ranch in Texas, offering a glimpse into his life away from the spotlight.
A Missed Reunion and Unexpected Symptoms
The actor recounted being unable to attend a Dawson’s Creek reunion event due to what he initially believed was a stomach virus. He appeared via a pre-recorded message for fans, but the event was ultimately cancelled. “I had lost so much weight due to an intestinal virus,” Van Der Beek explained, “but it was not related to cancer.” His wife, Kimberly, and their six children – Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah – attended in his place, receiving a standing ovation simply for their presence.
“As devastated as I was that I couldn’t go to that Dawson’s Creek reunion, my family was able to be there,” Van Der Beek shared. “I was on Zoom that night and they got a standing ovation just for sitting down. And all that love that would otherwise have been directed towards me, was directed towards my family. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever witnessed. I’m really grateful to the fans for doing this.”
Finding Strength in a Difficult Journey
Describing himself as “really lucky for an unfortunate diagnosis,” Van Der Beek acknowledged the arduous nature of his treatment. “It’s been a longer journey than I ever thought. It took more effort: more patience, more discipline, more strength than I thought I had. I knew I was strong. I didn’t know I was so strong. But I feel good,” he told Melvin. While he remains under treatment, and is “trying a lot of things,” he refrained from disclosing specific details about his care. Despite his health challenges, Van Der Beek appeared healthy and happy during the interview, sporting a brown knit sweater with an orange and red pattern and a button-down design.
Recognizing the Early Warning Signs
Van Der Beek pinpointed the summer of 2023 as the period when he first began experiencing concerning bowel movement symptoms. Initially, he attributed them to dietary factors. “I thought maybe I should stop drinking coffee,” he recalled, “or maybe don’t put cream in your coffee. But when I stopped and the situation didn’t improve, I thought: ‘Okay, I better get myself checked’.”
Following a colonoscopy, Van Der Beek admitted he wasn’t overly concerned about the results. However, he was soon confronted with the shocking reality of a cancer diagnosis. “I felt really good after the anesthesia, I finally did it,” he explained. “Then the gastroenterologist said – in his most affable tone – that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.”
This article was last updated on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:07 am.
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