James Van Der Beek, the famous Dawson from the eponymous series from the 2000s, announced that he was suffering from colorectal cancer on November 3, 2024.
- The Dawson actor reveals he suffers from colorectal cancer.
- The American star clarified that he is being followed and that the results are encouraging.
- Colorectal cancer affects the vast majority of seniors. However, an increase in cases has been observed among those under 50 in recent years.
“It’s cancer… Each year, approximately 2 million people around the world are diagnosed with this disease. I am one of them.” It was through this message published on his Instagram account that James Van Der Beek, the star of the cult series Dawson, revealed his illness, on November 3, 2024.
James Van Der Beek: “There are reasons to be optimistic”
The 47-year-old actor admits that his announcement had to be rushed, because tabloids were planning to expose his health concerns to the public. “I had planned to speak at length with People magazine soon…to raise awareness and tell my story my way. But that plan had to be changed early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to publish information.”
Interviewed by the magazine Peoplethe American actor specifies that he suffers from colorectal cancer. “I dealt with this diagnosis privately and took steps to treat it, with the support of my incredible family”he adds.
Despite the illness, the father of six children is reassuring: “there are reasons to be optimistic, and I feel good”. In his desire to raise awareness and prevention, James Van Der Beek will participate in the show in early December The Real Full Monty. During this show, male celebrities perform stripteases to promote prostate, testicular and colon cancer screening and raise funds for research.
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Colorectal cancer: how to get screened?
Colorectal cancer develops from the cells that line the inner lining of the colon or rectum. In 95% of cases, it is diagnosed after the age of fifty. However, health professionals have observed an increase in cases among those under 50 in recent years. It was estimated at 13% in 2022.
It is therefore important to consult in the presence of symptoms of colon cancer: worsening constipation, chronic diarrhea, alternating diarrhea-constipation, nausea and vomiting, urgent need to have a bowel movement, blood in the stools, black stools, rectal or abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, etc.
In addition, free screening is offered by invitation, every 2 years, to men and women aged between 50 and 74. The courier offers to collect the screening kit on the site monkit.depistage-colorectal.fr or from the attending physician or pharmacist.
The test is done at home. It consists of taking a stool sample and sending it to the medical biology laboratory whose address is indicated on the return envelope provided with the screening test. Instructions for use indicate how to take the sample in good conditions. The screening results are sent to the person tested as well as their doctor a few days after sending.
