James Van Der Beek talks about cancer diagnosis: treatment makes him cautiously optimistic

A few days ago, “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek (47) made worried headlines with the news of his cancer. In an interview with People on November 3rd, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer. Now the actor has spoken to US magazine about how he is coping with the diagnosis and what changes it has brought to his life.

The fact that he speaks so openly about his health is a conscious decision. “I’ve been dealing with this in secret for some time, and in the past I’ve found it helpful and cathartic to share things publicly,” said Van Der Beek, who has six children between the ages of 14 and three with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek. The family lives together on a ranch in Texas.

It is important to him to raise awareness of the disease, as it is becoming more and more common, especially among younger people. “I’ve always associated cancer with age and an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle,” says the actor. He always tried to eat healthily according to his knowledge. But then he noticed changes in his bowel movements in the summer of 2023. At first he thought his diet was to blame – “maybe stop drinking coffee” or “maybe don’t put cream in his coffee.”

But when that didn’t bring any improvement, he underwent an examination and a colonoscopy. When he woke up from the anesthesia, he felt really good because he thought he had finally made it. “Then the gastroenterologist – in his friendliest bedside manner – said it was cancer. I think I went into shock.” He then immediately sought treatment.

For him, the fight against cancer was like a “crash course in mastering body, mind and soul,” explains Van Der Beek. He tries to stay positive, but that is sometimes very difficult because there are so many unknown factors with cancer. “For someone who likes answers, the hardest thing is not knowing.”

Although he didn’t want to talk about his current health, he told People that he was feeling well. “I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m on the mend, my energy level is great,” said the father of six. He’ll get in touch when he’s “completely out of the woods.” “There are many things worth living for.”