James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, as confirmed by PEOPLE. The 47-year-old actor exclusively shared with the magazine, "I have colorectal cancer. I've been quietly dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking proactive steps towards resolution, all with the unwavering support of my amazing family." He added, with a note of optimism, "There's a reason to stay hopeful, and I'm feeling quite well."
According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer originates in the colon or rectum, which collectively form the large intestine within the digestive system. Despite his diagnosis, Van Der Beek has remained diligent in his professional endeavors while managing his health.
Recently, he made an appearance on an episode of Walker, and he is slated to star in Sidelined: The QB and Me, a Tubi original film premiering on November 29. Amidst his busy schedule, Van Der Beek has made time for his loved ones – his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
In June, the family embarked on a memorable journey to Egypt. On Instagram, the Varsity Blues alum posted heartwarming photos of his family posing with a camel, gazing at the Egyptian pyramids, and more. "#Egypt… Despite my vast vocabulary, 'Wow' was the word that escaped my lips most frequently. We were blessed with a magical experience that I'm still processing – and perhaps will be for the rest of my life," Van Der Beek captioned the post. "The kids were stars, my friends turned into brothers, and despite the extensive travel, time zone changes, and early wake-up calls, I feel rejuvenated."
Later in December, Van Der Beek will participate in The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special where a group of male celebrities will bare it all to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer screening and research. Alongside Van Der Beek, the special will feature fellow actor Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, and long-standing Dancing with the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli.
Inspired by the Oscar-nominated 1997 film The Full Monty, the event will be executive produced by Anthony Anderson. Taye Diggs recently shared with PEOPLE, "Initially, I thought I was just doing Anthony Anderson a solid and supporting cancer awareness. But once we arrived and delved into these topics, everyone opened up, and we bonded on a deeper level."
The Real Full Monty is set to premiere on December 9.
