By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo: DAVID LIVINGSTON/GETTY
Actor James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Van Der Beek has been battling cancer privately and revealed this weekend about his diagnosis to People Magazine.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” Van Der Beek told People.”
According to the American Cancer Society, it is the third most common cancer diagnosis in both men and women in the United States. 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women are most likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
Also, the number of people with colorectal cancer who are younger than 55 years old has doubled since 1995.
Colorectal cancer typically begins as small growths, called polyps, in the colon or the rectum.
Van Der Beek is best known for starring in the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, where he played Dawson Leery. The series ran from 1998 to 2003 on The WB and is one of the most beloved and memorable teen dramas.
In addition, Van Der Beek starred alongside Paul Walker and Jon Voight in the 1999 Sports/Drama movie Varsity Blues, a high school football movie.
Van Der Beek portrays Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, the new quarterback for his high school team. He replaces an injured quarterback and leads the team to glory.
His next role is in the upcoming Tubi movie Sidelined: The QB and Me, released on November 29.
Van Der Beek, 47, is a father of six children. He feels great and optimistic about the situation.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com
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