Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek diagnosed with bowel cancer(Image: Getty Images)

Colorectal cancer symptoms as Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek shares diagnosis

Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek shared his diagnosis of colorectal cancer - also known as bowel cancer

by · The Mirror

Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has revealed he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The actor made his name playing Dawson Leery in the US teen drama series from 1998 to 2003.

Despite the diagnosis, the 47-year-old said there was “reason for optimism” and that he was “feeling good” as he made the announcement in an interview with US outlet People.

Van Der Beek is due to appear in a US Fox special called The Real Full Monty, which is based on the 1997 British film and will see a group of male celebrities strip down to raise awareness for cancer awareness and research.

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He told People: "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 told People he has also been prioritising time with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Bowel cancer can develop in the rectum or colon and is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. The charity says it is sometimes called colorectal cancer because it affects the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum.

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The bowel makes up a part of the digestive system. It’s split into the small and large bowel. The large bowel includes the:

  • colon
  • back passage (rectum)
  • bowel opening (anus)

Both men and women can get bowel cancer, which is more common in older people. The risk of developing bowel cancer depends on many factors, including age, family history, genetic conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), Lynch syndrome, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and diet and lifestyle factors.

Main symptoms of bowel (colorectal) cancer

According to the NHS, symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

  • changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
  • needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
  • blood in your poo, which may look red or black
  • bleeding from your bottom
  • often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
  • tummy pain
  • a lump in your tummy
  • bloating
  • losing weight without trying
  • feeling very tired for no reason

Bowel cancer can cause anaemia (when you have fewer red blood cells than usual), which can make you feel very tired, short of breath and have headaches.

Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions, so having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have bowel cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP. If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.