James Van Der Beek Dies At 48: Early Signs Of Colon Cancer That Are Overlooked
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Colon or colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States.
James Van Der Beek, beloved ‘Dawson’s Creek’ actor, dies at 48.
American actor James Van Der Beek’s untimely demise on February 11 left a huge void in the hearts of his fans. The reason behind his death was colon cancer, as confirmed by his family. The tragedy highlights the importance of not overlooking the early signs of the disease.
The actor’s family requested in a statement, “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Best known for his portrayal of Dawson Leery on The WB’s Dawson’s Creek, James Van Der Beek never shied away from discussing the early signs of colon cancer he had overlooked and various stages of his diagnosis. The actor attributed coffee consumption to changes in his bowel movements in the early stages of pre-detection. In November 2024, he revealed his stage 3 diagnosis and how he was dealing with it.
James Van Der Beek Revealed Overlooking Early Signs Of Colon Cancer
Van Der Beek often pointed towards the rising early-onset colorectal cancer cases and the subtle digestive symptoms that signal an underlying serious disease.
According to Van Der Beek, certain changes in bowel movements resemble common digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food intolerance, or stress-related gut disturbances, which led him to delay medical evaluation. “I didn’t even realise the screening age [had dropped to 45; I thought it was still 50,” he told Healthline.
Later, he realised the importance of early screening. Finally, a colonoscopy result revealed his diagnosis.
What Are The Early Signs Of Colon Cancer?
According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 in 24 males and 1 in 26 females will develop colorectal cancer during their lifetime.
The early symptoms of the disease, according to Healthline, are as follows-
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Blood in the stool
- Changes in stool colour and shape
- Bleeding from the rectum
- Unintentional weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive fatigue
- The feeling that your bowel won’t completely empty
Can Colon Cancer Be Prevented At An Early Stage?
Although preventing colon cancer isn’t completely possible, early diagnosis can give the best chance of the disease being successfully treated. According to Healthline, a doctor will start by gathering information about your family’s medical history, then perform a physical exam, including pressing on your abdomen or performing a rectal exam, to determine whether lumps or polyps are present.
Following this, a variety of other tests are recommended at different yearly intervals for the screening of colon cancer, including:
- Guaiac-based faecal occult blood test (gFOBT): every year
- Faecal immunochemical test (FIT): every year
- Sigmoidoscopy: every 5 years
- Virtual colonoscopy: every 5 years
- Colonoscopy: every 10 years
Additionally, certain lifestyle changes can help lower the overall risk of developing colon cancer. These are:
- Avoiding processed foods, dietary fat and red meat
- Opting for more plant-based foods and superfoods
- Exercising daily
- Quitting smoking and alcohol consumption
- Proper stress management, and many others.
James Van Der Beek’s demise alongside the rising early-onset colorectal cancer cases reveals how subtle digestive symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Instead, early screening may prevent serious illness.
February 13, 2026, 09:50 IST
