Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, 47, revealed to People magazine that he has colorectal cancer. He also revealed that he has been privately dealing with the diagnosis with the help of his “incredible” family.
While news about cancer can be life-changing, the Dawson’s Creek star is trying to make that change a positive one, having said to PEOPLE Magazine, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
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More to know about colorectal cancer
Embed from Getty ImagesAccording to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. They are often grouped together due to the many features they have in common.
In addition, with the exclusion of skin cancer, colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States among men and women.
Van Der Beek hasn’t stopped working
Embed from Getty ImagesThe cancer diagnosis didn’t stop the Dawson’s Creek star from leaving the screens. Most recently, he appeared on an episode of Walker. Furthermore, he is set to star in Sidelined: The QB and Me, which comes out later this month on November 29.
Family comes first
Embed from Getty ImagesVan Der Beek is married to his wife, Kimberly, with whom he shares six children — Olivia, 13; Joshua, 12; Annabel Leah, 10; Emilia, eight; Gwendolyn, six; and Jeremiah, two.
Van Der Beek prioritizes his wife and children, especially after his wife had pregnancy losses, one in November 2019 and another in June 2020. He moved from Los Angeles to Texas four years earlier to start a new life with them and in June, they all flew to Egypt to explore its historical monuments.
The Van Der Beeks’ trip to Egypt
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Dawson’s Creek star and his family were in awe at the sights they saw in Egypt “despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms.” Van Der Beek called it a “magical” trip in his Instagram posts.
They all saw the Pyramids of Giza, one of the seven wonders of the world, and the Dendera Temple complex. The experience felt “spiritual” for them and it left them “recharged” after they were done.
His marriage to Kimberly wasn’t the first
Embed from Getty ImagesBefore his marriage to Kimberly, he was first married to actress Heather Ann McComb from 2003 to 2009. He then divorced her and married Kimberly in August 2010 in Israel. They welcomed their first child, Olivia, just a month after their marriage.
Van Der Beek raising awareness about cancer
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Dawson’s Creek star is set to make an appearance on The Real Full Monty, premiering on December 9.
The Real Full Monty is a two-hour special featuring a group of male celebrities who will strip down for the purpose of raising awareness about prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
The stars featured in The Real Full Monty
Embed from Getty ImagesThe group of male celebrities to be featured on the two-hour special premiering on December 9 are the Dawson’s Creek star, James Van Der Beek; actor, Taye Diggs; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle, Chris Jones; and Dancing with the Stars judge, Bruno Tonioli.
The inspiration behind The Real Full Monty
Embed from Getty ImagesThe two-hour special is inspired by the Oscar-nominated 1997 film The Full Monty. The executive producer for this event will be Anthony Anderson.
Diggs told People that he thought that he was just doing Anderson a favor by supporting cancer but actually, it turned out to be a unique experience.
Van Der Beek isn’t alone
Embed from Getty ImagesDiggs elaborated to People on how the preparations for The Real Full Monty were one of a kind.
For him, it wasn’t just about supporting cancer, but also about how the people involved opened up about their experience and how everyone connected on a deeper level.
What we can do for people diagnosed with cancer
Embed from Getty ImagesFirst of all, don’t make them feel any different because of their diagnosis, their diagnosis doesn’t define them. Secondly, you can support cancer research and charities to help people diagnosed with cancer.
You can also spread awareness about types of cancers and how to maintain a good quality of life despite it. Finally, be there for your loved ones whenever they need you.
