James Van Der Beek Details Phase 3 Cancer battle, treatment

Jacobus Van Der Beek is focused on his recovery after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

“I am very cautiously optimistic. I am in a place of healing, my energy level is great,” Van Der Beek, 47, said People in an interview published on Friday, November 8. “When I’ve been completely out of the woods for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll come back and let you know. I have a lot to live for.”

Van Der Beek publicly confirmed his diagnosis earlier this month after privately undergoing an undisclosed form of treatment.

“If you’ve heard about it, I’ve probably touched on it,” says the Dawson’s Creek alum told People. “This has been a crash course in mastering the mind, body and spirit. I thought, ‘This will take me out of the body, or it will teach me how to really live in it.’

Related: James Van Der Beek diagnosed with colorectal cancer: ‘I feel good’

James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “I have been dealing with this diagnosis privately and taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the 47-year-old Dawson’s Creek alum told People on Sunday, November 3. “There is reason for optimism, and I feel good.” James did not go any further (…)

According to Van Der Beek, he had thought about his diagnosis “in secret for a while” before making a public statement.

“In the past, I have found it helpful and cathartic to share things publicly and I have found a lot of support that way,” he said. “But more than that, I really wanted it increase awareness.”

Van Der Beek added: “I have always associated cancer with age and an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. But I was in great cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy – or as best I knew at the time.”

In 2023, the actor began noticing changes in his bowel movements that he attributed to a nutritional problem.

“I thought maybe I should give up coffee,” Van Der Beek recalls People. “Or maybe don’t put cream in the coffee. But when I took that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, “Okay, I better get this checked out.”

Related: James Van Der Beek’s colorectal cancer diagnosis: expert explains disease

James Van Der Beek recently announced that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer – but what does the disease mean? “Colorectal cancer is a cancer that originates in your colon or your rectum,” gastroenterologist Roshini Raj exclusively told Us Weekly on Monday, November 4. “So part of your colon.” Here’s more information you need to know. Symptoms (…)

It was a subsequent colonoscopy procedure that confirmed the presence of cancer.

“I felt really good when I came out of the anesthesia, that I had finally done it,” Van Der Beek added. “Then the gastroenterologist said in his nicest way at the bedside that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.”

Van Der Beek also did that during his health problems could have leaned on his family. He has been married to woman Kimberly Van Der Beek since 2010 and they share six children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.