James Van Der Beek Reveals Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Amid Tabloid Leak
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James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, has opened up about a recent diagnosis of colorectal cancer, sharing his experience with fans in a heartfelt Instagram post. The actor, who initially planned to tell his story through People magazine, was forced to disclose his diagnosis earlier than anticipated after learning a tabloid planned to release the news.
“It is cancer…” Van Der Beek began in the caption of his Instagram post on Saturday, November 3. His post, which included several photos, featured Richard La Forge’s song Autumn Breeze playing in the background. Reflecting on his diagnosis, he noted that “approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis” every year, adding, “And I’m one of them.”
Van Der Beek explained that he had intended to share his journey on his terms through an interview with People. However, he felt compelled to address the news on social media after being informed of the impending tabloid report. “There’s no playbook for how [to] announce these things,” he wrote. “But I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.”
Since his diagnosis, Van Der Beek has been focusing on treatment and taking proactive steps toward recovery. He assured fans that he’s in a positive place, stating, “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
The actor also took a moment to apologize to those close to him, who hadn’t yet heard the news directly from him. “Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.” Van Der Beek expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and followers, adding, “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.”
In a follow-up statement to People, Van Der Beek expressed optimism for his journey ahead. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he shared, hinting that there’s more of his journey left to tell.
Van Der Beek’s candidness and resilience in facing this diagnosis have resonated with fans and the public, especially in a time where conversations around health and early detection are more vital than ever. He ended his post with a hopeful note for his followers: “More to come…”
