James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, is showing her support after the actor revealed he’s been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and issued a public apology to his loved ones...

Actor James Van Der Beek said "there’s reason for optimism" after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

James Van Der Beek shared that he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, later explaining that he went public with the news because a tabloid threatened to run it.

Mr. Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery in the ’90s drama, told People Magazine that he was being treated for colorectal cancer.

The actor, 47, shared his news on Instagram over the weekend but admitted it was before he would have liked to have gone public with it.

The actor didn't disclose what stage his cancer is or his course of treatment.

In a statement provided to US media outlet People magazine, the 47-year-old said he had been "privately dealing with this diagnosis".

'Dawson's Creek' actor James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the 'Dawson’s Creek' actor revealed in a new interview.