Former Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, now 47, has revealed that he is battling colorectal cancer. In a heartfelt statement to People magazine, he shared that he has been "privately dealing with the diagnosis" and is working through it with the love and support of his family. "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. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good," he stated.

Colorectal cancer, which affects the colon and rectum, can have a varying prognosis depending on the stage at which it is diagnosed. While Van Der Beek has not disclosed the specifics of his diagnosis or treatment plan, his positive outlook suggests he is taking necessary steps to address his condition.

Van Der Beek's announcement comes four years after the tragic loss of his mother, who passed away in the summer of 2020 after a long illness. He had expressed his deep sorrow in a touching tribute, noting the mix of emotions he felt at that time. "My mom crossed over last week. Even though we knew this was coming ... I'm still in shock. I'm grateful she's no longer in pain, I'm sad, I'm angry, I'm relieved... all at once," he wrote.

Following this loss, the actor and his family relocated from Los Angeles to Texas, seeking a fresh start away from the Hollywood spotlight. Van Der Beek, who shares six children with his wife Kimberly, has continued to remain active in the entertainment industry. Recently, he appeared in an episode of the action-drama series Walker and has a new film titled Sidelined: The QB And Me, set to be released on the streaming platform Tubi soon.

Fans are rallying around Van Der Beek during this challenging time, sending messages of love and support as he navigates this difficult journey. His openness about his health battle has shed light on the importance of addressing such diseases early and maintaining a hopeful outlook.

As he focuses on recovery, many are eager to see how this latest chapter unfolds for the beloved actor, and his story serves as a poignant reminder of the strength found in family and community support.