James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024 — but what does the condition entail?
“Colorectal cancer is a cancer that arises in your colon or your rectum,” gastroenterologist Roshini Raj exclusively told Luxury Handbag Shopping in November 2024. “So part of your large intestine.”
In February 2026, Van Der Beek died at age 48 after battling cancer for nearly two years.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” a statement shared via the actor’s Instagram read at the time. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Here’s more need-to-know information about the disease:
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Raj, who has not personally treated Van Der Beek, shared that colorectal cancer can be present “without causing any symptoms” so it is crucial that everyone gets checked out and the best method is a colonoscopy. However, there are a few warning signs including blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or a change in the shape of your stool.
When to Get Tested
“It’s really important to get screened at the appropriate age,” Raj explained. “The recommendation now is to start screening at age 45, but you may need to be screened even earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps in the family or other genetic predispositions.”
While the type of cancer is rising in men, Raj explained that it is a common cancer for both sexes, and both men and women should be alert and screened. He also noted that there has been an “increase” in colorectal cancer for younger individuals.
What’s the Treatment Regimen?
If a person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the first thing a doctor does is determine its stage. If caught early, it is “very treatable” per Raj. Determining the stage of the cancer happens when medical professionals analyze the size of the tumor or determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs. To treat the disease, surgery is often needed and can be followed with chemotherapy or radiation, depending on each case.
“The five year survival for stage one is over 95%,” Raj told Us. “Don’t be afraid to get that colonoscopy and potentially get the diagnosis. Because if caught early, you have a very good chance of getting the right treatment and surviving very well.”
Is it Preventable, and How Can People Lower Their Risk?
According to Raj — cofounder of the supplement brand YayDay — studies have shown that maintaining a high fiber diet could help people lower their risk of colorectal cancer. He encouraged people to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other fiber rich foods into their diet while also maintaining an active healthy lifestyle.
What James Van Der Beek Said About His Diagnosis
James Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he was battling colorectal cancer. The Dawson’s Creek alum later shared that he was feeling optimistic about his health.
“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” the actor wrote via his Instagram at the time. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
Amid his cancer journey, Van Der Beek gave thanks to his loved ones at the Dawson’s Creek reunion in September 2025. (He made an appearance via video at the event, which raised money for F Cancer, after announcing he would be absent amid an illness.)
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he said. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my castmates, my beautiful cast, in person, and I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight — from the cast to the crew to everybody who donated their time and has been so generous. And especially every single last one of you. You’re the best fans in the world. Thank you for coming.”
For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.
With reporting by Christina Garibaldi
