Nearly two years after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48. The Varisty Blues star died peacefully in his home, according to a post his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, made on Instagram. Prior to his death, the Dawson’s Creek actor spoke out about the colorectal cancer symptom he said he ignored.
The star first opened up about his diagnosis in November 2024. In the months following, he was a vocal advocate for others to get tested for colorectal cancer in their 40s, even if otherwise healthy.
“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 told Healthline the year following his diagnosis.
It was minor changes in his bowel movements that clued Van Der Beek in to the idea that something might be going on. He previously told PEOPLE that he thought the changes might be related to putting cream in his coffee or drinking too much coffee altogether.
“But when I cut that out, and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out,’” he recalled.
What are the symptoms of colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, which is a cancer that initially affects the large intestine, doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages. Because of this, it’s often caught after it’s already begun to spread; in 2019, 60% of diagnoses were for advanced-stage colorectal cancer.
The National Cancer Institute reports that rectal bleeding and diarrhea are two of the most common early symptoms of colorectal cancer in people under the age of 50, along with abdominal pain and iron deficiency anemia.
Other changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, may also be a symptom, as can weakness or tiredness and unexplained weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Who should be tested for colorectal cancer?
Due to an increase in colorectal cancer among young people, the American Cancer Society has started recommending that people begin to get tested regularly at age 45, rather than the previously recommended age of 50. They also note that anyone who might be at higher risk should consider even earlier screenings.
Increased risk factors include (but are not limited to):
- A close relative who has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Moderate to heavy alcohol use
- Diets that are high in red meat or low in vitamin D
“It is the second leading cause of cancer death, but if you look closer, it’s also the most curable,” Van Der Beek told Healthline. “I really want people to understand that [when found] in the early stages, the survival rates skyrocket.”
Our thoughts are with Van Der Beek’s family at this time.
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