James Van Der Beek urges fans not to ignore colorectal cancer symptoms

James Van Der Beek Fans urged not to ignore one specific colorectal cancer symptom before his death Wednesday, February 11, aged 48 years.

In an interview that resurfaced in November 2024, Van de Beek revealed people There’s an indicator that could predict his final outcome Stage III colorectal cancer When it first happened, he didn’t think much of it.

“It’s just a change in bowel habits,” he said, speaking publicly about his diagnosis for the first time. “I thought, I might need to change my eating habits a little bit. Maybe I need to stop (drinking) coffee. Maybe I don’t need to put cream in my coffee.” (Colorectal cancer starts in the longest part of the large intestine, called the colon, which contributes to bowel habits.)

this dawson creek The actor noted, “Then I finally took it out of my diet and it didn’t improve and I thought, well, I better get it checked out.”

Van Der Beek, who had a routine colonoscopy in August 2023, recalled, “When I woke up from the anesthesia, I finally got it done and checked out, and it felt really good.”

But that happy feeling quickly faded when he heard the diagnosis. “When I came out of my haze, the gastroenterologist, in his most cheerful bedside manner, said it was cancer,” VanderBeek recalled.

this varsity blues Starr noted that he was “exceptionally healthy” and in “an amazing cardiovascular condition” when the cancer was discovered. Once he knew what he was facing, Van Der Beek changed his already healthy eating habits — a precaution he believes more people should implement.

“I think the country is waking up and starting to connect with our food and realize how processed it is and how far it is from what it was intended to be in nature,” he explains. “I encourage everyone to do it because it’s not a fun process.”

Van der Beek “I think we all grow up with a lot of assumptions about what’s healthy and what’s not healthy,” the warning warned at the time. “I think it would be good for us all to get rid of those assumptions.”

When it comes to his daily diet, Van Der Beek said he avoids processed foods, gluten and dairy and only eats organic vegetables from his garden. He told the outlet that he works out regularly and prioritizes his mental health.

Van Der Beek also urged people in December 2025 to get screened for colon cancer at age 45, noting that he didn’t get tested until he was 46. (Doctors recommend that the age at which adults undergo colonoscopies and screenings increases to 45, up from 50 in 2018.)

“If anyone takes anything away from this interview, it’s to get tested and talk to your doctor,” Van Der Beek said in his final interview with The New York Times. today exhibit.

According to Dr. Peter StanichGastroenterologists at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, Richard J. Solove Research Institute and Wexner Medical Center) say this type of cancer is increasing among young, healthy adults.

“We know colorectal cancer is increasing among younger people, but the exact reasons are not known,” Stanich, who is not involved in VanderBeek’s care, told CNN. women’s world Thursday, February 12th.

“Part of this may be due to increased obesity and changes in diet over time, but many are still investigating the causes,” the doctor explained, calling the increase in younger patients a “worrying trend.”

Stanich points out that something like Van der Beek casechanges in bowel movements, or abdominal pain should be discussed with your doctor.

“Many colorectal cancers cause no symptoms, which is why it is so important to have the recommended screening test at the recommended age (45 years),” he added.

Van de Beek battles cancer more than two years before his death on Wednesday.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He lived his final days with courage, faith and grace,” his family wrote in a statement on Instagram. “There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our dear husband, father, son, brother and friend.”

Fans and celebrities alike have since rallied around James’ wife, Kimberly VanderBeekand their six children, starting GoFundMe page Help pay for remaining medical bills and other expenses after his death.

James’ fans and partners also Pay tribute to his legacy To the late actor. james ex dancing with the stars partner Emma Slater He wrote via social media: “I am so heartbroken. He is and will always be family to me. James loved you very much. You were a proud man. So grateful that I was there to say goodbye.”

his dawson creek supporting role Katie Holmes, Wrote a handwritten letter to James She shared the news via Instagram on Thursday.

“James, thank you. There is something sacred about sharing space with your imagination—breathing the same air in a fictional land and trusting each other’s hearts to be safe in their expression,” Holmes, 47, wrote. “These are some memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs – the adventures of a unique young man…”

She went on to describe James’ life as one of “bravery, compassion, selflessness, strength, appreciation of life, and the actions taken to live with the integrity that life is art – creating a wonderful marriage, six beautiful children – a hero’s journey.”