James Van Der Beek is attempting to remain in good spirits as he battles stage 3 colorectal cancer.
The “Dawson’s Creek” star opened up about the challenges he has faced during his cancer journey.
Van Der Beek, 47, revealed he didn’t have a family history of cancer and mentioned he’s managed to stay fit for most of his life.
Upon receiving the diagnosis, Van Der Beek felt a wave of disbelief wash over him. He described the moment, recalling how the words “you have cancer” seemed surreal. At that instant, it was as if his entire world had paused, leaving him grappling with shock.
“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he reflected. “But here I was, in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as healthy as I thought at the time,” he shared with People during a revealing cover interview.
Faced with this unexpected battle, he navigated the complexities of uncertainty that come with a cancer diagnosis. “The trickiest thing is there are so many unknowns with cancer,” he articulated. Questions filled his mind: ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is it hurting me? Is it working? Is it coming back?’ The not knowing felt like a heavy fog clouding his path forward.
“Then the gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.”
Initially, Van Der Beek turned to his dietary choices for answers. He had first noticed changes in his bowel movements last year, leading to a deep concern. 
“I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee,” he recounted. “Or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out.’”
After scheduling a colonoscopy, he emerged from the procedure, hopeful until the doctor delivered the life-altering news. “I felt really good coming out of anesthesia, that I’d finally done it,” he continued. “Then the gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — that it was cancer. That moment felt surreal.
As explained by the Mayo Clinic, combined therapies can manage colorectal cancer, including “surgery, radiation therapy, and medicines like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.” Medical professionals recommend that individuals with average risk begin preventive screenings at age 45.
Determined to regain control, Van Der Beek embraced a healthier lifestyle after the diagnosis. He grew increasingly mindful of nutrition and began scrutinizing food labels meticulously.
“I think the country is waking up to connecting with our food and recognizing just how much it’s processed and how far away it’s gotten from the way nature intended,” he observed with a thoughtful disposition.
“I would encourage everyone to do the same,” he urged. “There are a lot of assumptions, I think, that we’ve all grown up with about what’s healthy and what’s not.” This was a profound realization for him — the notion that many long-held beliefs about nutrition and wellness might need reevaluation.
Van Der Beek shared his commitment to cutting out processed foods, gluten, and dairy from his meals, opting for organic vegetables grown in his own garden while maintaining a regular exercise schedule.
Though he chose not to disclose specific details about his colon cancer treatment, he spoke candidly about his evolving journey. “This has been a crash course in mastering mind, body, and spirit,” he expressed earnestly. “I thought, ‘This is either going to take me out of the body, or it’s going to teach me how to truly live in it.’”
During his interview, he painted a picture of cautious optimism regarding his health. “I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m in a place of healing, and my energy levels are great,” he shared. “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know. I have a lot to live for,” he disclosed, conveying a sense of resilience and hope.
“I really don’t feel like this is going to end me,” he emphasized. “This is going to be the biggest life redirect, and I’m going to make changes that I never would’ve made otherwise.” This sentiment sat on the edge of profound reflection, revealing his deep introspection amidst such adversity.
This week, Van Der Beek shared insights on his decision to delay going public about his cancer battle.
In an Instagram post, he stated, “‘It is cancer…’ Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them.”
He added, “There’s no playbook for how [to] announce these things, but I’d planned on sharing my story in depth with People magazine to raise awareness.” However, an unexpected tabloid leak forced him to alter his approach.
For months, the actor had operated within a circle of privacy, focusing singularly on treatment and health without distraction.
As a father of six, he shared in his original statement to People, “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.”
This year, Van Der Beek made an acting appearance in a June episode of “Walker,” and he is set to star in a new film, “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” premiering on Tubi later this month. Additionally, in December, he will feature in a Fox special called “The Real Full Monty,” which aims to raise awareness about colorectal, prostate, and testicular cancer.
