James Van Der Beek Reveals Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: ‘There’s Reason for Optimism, and I’m Feeling Good’

James Van Der Beek has revealed he’s been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The “Dawson’s Creek” actor recently told People about his cancer diagnosis, saying, “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

Van Der Beek added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Colorectal cancer, which begins in the colon or rectum, is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the U.S., according to American Cancer Society. In the U.S., about 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with his form of cancer in their lifetime.

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Van Der Beek is known for playing the titular Dawson Leery in “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2003. He has also worked on the series “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” “Friends With Better Lives,” “CSI: Cyber” and “Pose.” His film credits include “Varsity Blues” (1999), “The Rules of Attraction” (2002), “Labor Day” (2013), “Downsizing” (2017) and “Bad Hair” (2020).

On the horizon, Van Der Beek will appear in Fox’s “The Real Full Monty” to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research. Inspired by the 1997 film “The Full Monty,” and based on “The Real Full Monty” unscripted format first broadcast on the U.K.’s ITV in 2017, the two-hour special will feature several male celebrities — including Van Der Beek, Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”), Taye Diggs (“All American”), NFL player Chris Jones, Tyler Posey (“Teen Wolf”) and Bruno Tonioli (“Dancing With the Stars”) — perform a big strip-tease dance in front of a live audience.

Fox’s “The Real Full Monty” special premieres Dec. 9.