James Van Der Beek on Colorectal Cancer: 'It's Harder Than I Thought It Would Be'
The former 'Dawson's Creek' star is spreading awareness about the rising cases of colorectal cancer in young people.
Van Der Beek teamed up with Guardant Health to inform others about the importance of colon cancer screening and early detection.
At 46 years old, actor James Van Der Beek noticed minor changes in his bowel movements.
'There wasn't any red flag or something glaring,' he told Healthline.
However, out of caution, the 'Dawson's Creek' star felt the need to see his doctor. After undergoing a colonoscopy in August 2023, Van Der Beek learned he had colorectal cancer.
'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 said.
Because his cancer occurred before age 50, it is considered early onset colorectal cancer. Rates of early onset colorectal cancer in the United States have nearly doubled since the early 1990s. In 1994, the incidence rate was 4.8 cases per 100,000 people, and in 2021, it rose to 10.1 per 100,000 people.
'With this upward trend of 2–4% annually, gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons are very concerned that we may not be capturing the full scope of the disease early enough, particularly in asymptomatic younger individuals who do not meet traditional risk-based criteria,' Paul Johnson, MD, surgical oncologist with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, told Healthline.
In 2018, due to the alarming rise in the incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society lowered the screening age for average-risk patients from 50 to 45. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) echoed this recommendation, stating that colon cancer screening should begin for all adults ages 45–49.
A research letter published on August 4 in JAMA Network notes that the 50% increase in colorectal cancer incidence from 2021 to 2022 is likely a reflection of the recent changes to colon cancer screening guidelines for adults under 50.
Getting screened for colon cancer can lead to early detection, which improves survival and decreases the likelihood of needing chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation, Johnson noted. When colorectal cancer is caught in early stages, survival is over 90%. A doctor can help determine if a stool-based test that looks for cancer is the best option or if a colonoscopy, which examines the colon and rectum, is best.
'The proverb 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' is very apropos because we know that if we remove polyps, an abnormal growth in the lining of the colon or rectum, we can interrupt the pathway of that polyp becoming cancer,' Johnson said.
While colonoscopy remains the gold standard of screening and can detect polyps with remarkable accuracy, he said, the procedure also allows doctors to remove the polyps on the spot, thereby preventing development into cancer.
However, he noted that newer options, such as stool DNA-based colorectal cancer screening tests and the FDA-approved blood-based test Shield, have introduced additional options.
To encourage people to get screened, Van Der Beek partnered with Guardant Health to raise awareness about the Shield blood test. 'I really want to impress upon people that you don't need symptoms to get screened. If you are 45 or older or have a family history, talk to your doctor about your screening options,' he said.
Healthline talked with Van Der Beek to hear more about his cancer journey and why he is speaking out.
This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity and length.
What should people to know about colon cancer?
Van Der Beek: I want to unpack the numbers. It is the second leading cause of cancer death, but if you look closer, it's also the most curable.
I really want people to understand that [when found] in the early stages, the survival rates skyrocket.
Before my diagnosis, I didn't know much about colorectal cancer. I didn't even realize the screening age dropped to 45; I thought it was still 50.
Just put [screening] on your radar, even if you're young, even if you're healthy because unfortunately cases are rising, especially in younger, healthier people.
Did your diagnosis give you a new perspective on life?
Van Der Beek: Oh, for sure. I think I take things a little bit more slowly. I think I've learned to really appreciate the small moments and to let go of the things that would've upset me prior.
It's really taught me a lot about myself, how important self-love is, and how important positive self-talk is. It's really made me take a good, hard look at who I am.
How did your cancer diagnosis affect your mental health?
Van Der Beek: It is challenging. In the beginning, one thing I used to say a lot was, 'This is harder than I thought it would be.'
I would say find out who you can lean on and ask for help. Really find who your people are and reach out. You can't do this alone.
That was the biggest [challenge] for me because I never asked for help. And what I realized was just how many people were there to show up for me, how I'd been wronging them of the opportunity to show up because I try to do everything all the time.
How important is preventive healthcare?
Van Der Beek: Colorectal cancer just wasn't on my radar before, so yeah, I've got a much greater awareness and I'm the one telling all my friends to talk to their doctor, find out about screening options.
What I love about the Shield test is it's convenient, simple, FDA approved — it's a simple blood draw and it could be done at your next doctor's appointment.
Obviously, colonoscopy is still the gold standard for screening, but for anybody who has barriers around that, what they found is that adherence to a colonoscopy recommendation is not that great.
But people are three times more likely to adhere to [screening] advice when it's just a blood test. It's convenient for people who either can't take off work to do a colonoscopy or who [face] other barriers to some of the other testing methods.
How does it feel to share your cancer journey?
Van Der Beek: It is really life affirming. I feel like it's a big part of my healing process to spread the word and to help anybody I can from having to go through what I have been through.
Using a platform for a purpose is definitely a lot more fun than trying to push my next project, which I'm not above doing. [I] get to spread the word and feel like everything I've been going through has purpose.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Yahoo
If He's Doing Any of These 11 Things, the Relationship Might Be Over for Him, Psychologists Warn
If He's Doing Any of These 11 Things, the Relationship Might Be Over for Him, Psychologists Warn originally appeared on Parade. You can't read your partner's mind, so it may sometimes seem like a mystery to you why he's acting the way he is. Maybe the way he's texting you has changed suddenly, or he's started hanging out with his friends a lot more. If you've noticed that your boyfriend or husband is acting differently, you may have cause to worry that a breakup is imminent. To get to the bottom of the potential may be over for him, Parade consulted two expert psychologists., clinical psychologist, professor and mental health speaker, as well as , neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, weigh in on how small shifts in a man's behavior may indicate that he's .Of course, if a man starts exhibiting these signs, it "doesn't always mean a breakup is inevitable," says Dr. Hafeez, adding, "But it's important not to ignore them."So if you do notice the signals mentioned below, it's likely time for a conversation. "If you are aware of the [signs], you should think about initiating a candid and sympathetic dialogue," Dr. Brown says. That way, the couple can gain "deeper insight and go around the matter in a way that leads to clarification," he what they say you should be paying attention to if you're concerned about your Why Is It Sometimes Hard To Tell if He's Over You? If you've ever had a breakup come seemingly out of the blue, you're not alone. Dr. Brown says that the ways men and women tend to communicate can often lead to misinterpretations."Women are usually on the lookout for the non-verbal messages and the emotional context. Men often demonstrate their emotions through actions instead of feelings," he says. "The difference in their understanding leads to the confusion about partners' real emotions."Additionally, Dr. Hafeez says that you may miss key signs because your partner has continued "to act polite or affectionate out of habit, even when their feelings have faded." She adds that instead of communicating directly, "they may quietly create distance, which sends mixed signals."But it's time to decode those How Does a Man Act When He Wants To End a Relationship? Because men often show their feelings through their actions, Dr. Brown says that "usually, some of the signs give it away" if a man wants to end his relationship. "Emotional explosions are a sign of being deeply unsatisfied," he explains. "Also, showing indifference or showing anger towards things that were very much cared for before."It may feel like "he is mentally somewhere else... even when you're in the same room," Dr. Hafeez those indications are just the tip of the 11 Signs the Relationship Is Over for Him, According to Psychologists 1. Emotional detachment Dr. Hafeez says that something to watch out for is a general lack of interest or attention from your partner—like if "he no longer asks about your day" or he doesn't "[seem] invested in how you feel," she explains. 2. Change in communication Pay attention to a sudden reduction in communication. "If they retort with minimal words or act uninterested, they might be distancing themselves emotionally," Dr. Brown says. "He might text back less often and with a lower degree of emotion, which indicates that he is emotionally disconnected." 3. Easy irritation Dr. Hafeez says that if your partner "seems more easily irritated" or is "reacting strongly" to things that didn't previously bother him, that is another red 4. Not planning for the future According to Dr. Brown, if your partner starts "asking to delay future plans" or "dodging serious conversations about the relationship's future," that may signal that he's "prepared to continue life without that relationship." So take note if there's "a lack of long-term plans" in your relationship, he says. 5. Opting out of shared routines Many couples have shared routines like watching certain TV shows together or participating in weekend activities as a duo. So Dr. Hafeez says it could be a red flag if he starts skipping those rituals. It "can signal emotional withdrawal," she adds. 6. Seeking outside support "Sharing personal issues with friends instead of you could mean they want support from outside of the relationship," Dr. Brown says. Of course, it's good for both halves of the couple to have strong friendship bonds. But if there's a significant shift in the way your partner confides in you, it may be worth paying closer attention to that. 7. Desire to be alone Just like it is with having friends, it's also OK to not do everything together as a couple. But if he starts always wanting to be away from you—take note."If he tends to dedicate more time to his hobbies and hangs out without a partner, it could probably mean that he is longing for autonomy," Dr. Brown says. "Disruptions to their schedules could be the first signs of a wish for autonomy. So, when they do late shifts or are away with friends more frequently, pay attention to this aspect." 8. Being secretive about his phone Dr. Hafeez says if your partner suddenly "starts taking calls in private" when he didn't before, that behavior should stand out to you. Keeping secrets—particularly around their phone and social media use—is something Dr. Brown flags as well. "It could be a sign of emotional disentanglement," he 9. Changes in your sex life Dr. Brown says that "a disinterest in making physical contact" or an "adjustment in sex" from your partner are other signs to watch out for. "If the emotional warmth is absent or they are trying to spend less time together, it might mean they are feeling disconnected," he explains. 10. Increased interest in self-growth On its own, it's not necessarily a bad thing if your partner wants to improve his physical or mental health—but if it comes out of nowhere or in combination with some of these other signs, then it may definitely be something worth Hafeez says that he may start talking about "personal growth" or "needing time alone," which she says can be a concern, especially if these topics weren't a focus before."And Dr. Brown explains that "an increased focus on self-care—for instance, by hitting the gym or changing the way they look—could mean they are trying to be independent." 11. Frequent criticisms If your partner suddenly starts criticizing you a lot, it could be a sign that he's unhappy in the relationship."If they frequently underline your insignificant flaws, it could be that they have some major issue to deal with," Dr. Brown says. "Regular complaints about the relationship ... are important indicators of that too."If you do notice any of the aforementioned signs and you're concerned, Dr. Hafeez says the next step is having "an honest conversation where you express your concerns" as well as asking your partner "how he truly feels." Then you can get clarity either way and start to "open the door to healing," she Next:Sources: Dr. Adolph "Doc" Brown, III, is a clinical psychologist, professor and mental health speaker. Find him on Instagram @adolphbrown. Dr. Sanam Hafeez is a neuropsychologist anddirector of Comprehend the Mind. Find her on Instagram @drsanamhafeez. If He's Doing Any of These 11 Things, the Relationship Might Be Over for Him, Psychologists Warn first appeared on Parade on Aug 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Families find ‘sense of security' at renovated Ronald McDonald House in N Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Families with critically ill children are spending their first night in a newly renovated space aimed at giving them comfort, connection, and peace of mind. The Ronald McDonald House Charities Portland East House, located on the campus of Randall Children's Hospital in North Portland, officially reopened after months of renovation. The updated space is already making an impact for families like Desiree Hill's. Wilson: Portland to comply with Trump DEI demands After developing severe preeclampsia, Hill delivered her son at just 28 weeks. He remains in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and the East House allows her to stay close during his recovery. 'I want this to be my house, my decor. I want my lawn to look that pretty,' Hill said with a smile. 'This place brings a sense of security,' she added. 'We all support each other, we find encouragement, we talk to each other—we're never alone in what we're dealing with.' Another resident, Bronson Kleiber, a firefighter from Dallas, Oregon, is experiencing that same sense of support. While battling the Palisades Fire in Southern California this January, Kleiber received news—through spotty cell service—that he and his wife were expecting twins. 'All I could hear was, 'Congrats, there's two,'' Kleiber recalled. Shortly after, his wife became dangerously ill with the flu. She was rushed to the hospital, where she gave birth to their twin boys prematurely. Now in the Portland NICU, the boys are making steady progress. 'They're tiny, but they're growing,' Kleiber said. When families aren't at the hospital, they can find comfort at the East House in expanded guest suites, a fully upgraded kitchen, and brighter, more welcoming community spaces. Deputy shoots, kills suspect late Wednesday night There's also a vibrant teen lounge, play areas for kids, and quiet corners for rest. 'Every room in the house has been put together thinking about the families that are coming to stay,' said Jessica Jarratt Miller, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and Southwest Washington. The $4 million renovation is made possible by donors, local foundations, McDonald's, and in-kind support—including over $300,000 in services from Andersen Construction. Families stay at the house free of charge, which many say is invaluable. 'You know it kind of brings back a little bit, a sense of humanity, that you know, that everybody gets lost in life,' Kleiber said. According to the organization, nearly 3,000 families stayed at Ronald McDonald House locations in Oregon and Southwest Washington in 2024. Donations are still helping furnish and complete parts of the newly expanded space. More information, and ways to donate, can be found at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Health Line
14 minutes ago
- Health Line
Foods to Avoid with Ozempic
Ozempic is a prescription drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes and used off-label for weight loss. Learn about foods you may want to avoid during… READ MORE
