James Van Der Beek Opens Up About His Stage 3 Cancer Diagnosis: "I Went into Shock" - A Story of Courage and Awareness

On November 3, actor James Van Der Beek bravely shared the life-altering news of his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis at the age of 46. In a candid discussion, the actor aims to illuminate the rising prevalence of this disease among relatively healthy adults under 55—a topic that is often overlooked.

“I’ve been dealing with this pretty much in secret for a while, and I find sharing these experiences publicly to be both helpful and cathartic,” Van Der Beek, now 47, reveals in an exclusive interview. He resides with his wife Kimberly and their six children—Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3—on a ranch in Texas.

The American Cancer Society reports that today, 1 in 5 colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in individuals under 55, a significant increase from just 1 in 10 in 1995. This alarming trend underscores the importance of awareness and early detection—a cause close to the actor’s heart.

Initially, Van Der Beek, who has no family history of cancer and considers himself to lead a healthy lifestyle, was taken aback by his diagnosis. Reflecting on his previous beliefs, he confesses, “I always linked cancer to age and unhealthy living, but I was in great shape. I tried to eat healthy—at least I thought I was.”

In the summer of 2023, when he noticed changes in his bowel habits, he initially attributed it to his diet and attempted small adjustments. “I thought maybe I needed to cut back on coffee or eliminate cream,” he explains. But when those changes didn’t work, he decided to seek professional advice.

The colonoscopy left him feeling relieved, but his world was turned upside down when the gastroenterologist informed him of his diagnosis. “I think I went into shock,” he recalls.

Van Der Beek quickly immersed himself in a treatment plan that typically entails surgery and chemotherapy. While he keeps specific treatment details private for now, he reassures fans, “If you’ve heard about it, I’ve probably experienced it.”

“This has been an eye-opening journey in mastering my mind, body, and spirit,” he shares. “I realized this could either take me out of my body, or teach me how to truly live in it.”

Maintaining a positive mindset is challenging, particularly with the uncertainties surrounding cancer treatment. “There are so many unknowns. You wonder, ‘Am I healing? Is this working? Could it come back?’ Not knowing is one of the hardest parts for someone who craves answers,” he reveals.

Regarding his health status, Van Der Beek chooses to maintain a sense of cautious optimism. “I’m feeling good and my energy levels are great. When I feel like I’ve been through the woods for a responsible amount of time, I’ll definitely share more,” he states.

Moving forward, the actor emphasizes his gratitude for his family and the life he still has ahead of him, declaring, “I have a lot to live for.” By sharing his journey, he hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and be vigilant about symptoms, reminding all of us that cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle.

Stay tuned for updates as Van Der Beek continues his healing journey, demonstrating resilience and the importance of early detection and awareness in battling cancer.