James Van Der Beek, the well-known star of “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues,” has tragically passed away at the age of 48 following a two-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced his death on Instagram, describing it as a peaceful passing at their home. Before his death, the actor had been vocal about his diagnosis and the symptoms he initially ignored, urging others to seek early screening.
Van Der Beek first revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. He emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection, especially for those in their 40s. “I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea,” he told Healthline. His experience serves as a critical reminder of the disease’s often subtle onset.
Recognizing the Signs of Colorectal Cancer
The symptoms of colorectal cancer can be elusive, particularly in the early stages. Van Der Beek noted that minor changes in his bowel movements initially led him to consider medical advice. He suspected that dietary changes, such as adding cream to his coffee, could be the cause of his symptoms. However, when eliminating those changes did not result in improvement, he sought medical evaluation.
According to the National Cancer Institute, common early signs of colorectal cancer include rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and iron deficiency anemia, especially in individuals under 50. Other symptoms can include changes in bowel habits, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. These symptoms often lead to late-stage diagnoses, with approximately 60% of cases identified as advanced at the time of diagnosis in 2019.
The Importance of Screening
In response to rising colorectal cancer rates among younger populations, the American Cancer Society now recommends that regular screenings begin at age 45, a decrease from the previous recommendation of 50. Individuals with higher risk factors, such as family history of colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, obesity, smoking, heavy alcohol use, or diets high in red meat, should consider even earlier screenings.
Van Der Beek highlighted the urgency of this issue, stating, “It is the second leading cause of cancer death, but if you look closer, it’s also the most curable.” He emphasized the significantly improved survival rates when the disease is detected in its early stages.
Our thoughts remain with the Van Der Beek family during this difficult time. The actor’s advocacy for cancer awareness and screening will likely resonate with many, encouraging others to prioritize their health.
