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“Went Into Shock”: James Van Der Beek Reveals The First Symptom That Led To His Cancer Diagnosis
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“Went Into Shock”: James Van Der Beek Reveals The First Symptom That Led To His Cancer Diagnosis

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Actor James Van Der Beek recently opened up about going “into shock” upon receiving his cancer diagnosis.

Earlier this week, the 47-year-old revealed that he is battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.

He has since spoken to People magazine about when he was alerted to the disease’s first symptoms in hopes of spreading awareness.

RELATED:

    James Van Der Beek is delving deeper into his cancer journey after going public with the news earlier this week

    Image credits: vanderjames

    Highlights
    • James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
    • Van Der Beek is cautiously optimistic and focusing on healing.
    • Colon cancer is now affecting younger people, with the average diagnosis age dropping.

    Van Der Beek’s family had no previous history of cancer, and the actor had always put in the effort to take care of his body. Thus, he said he didn’t have much reason to suspect anything was wrong. 

    “I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he said to the outlet. “But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time.”

    His first sign that something was amiss came in the summer of 2023, when he noticed a change in his bowel movements.

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    Image credits: vanderjames

    “I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee,” Van Der Beek said. “Or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out.’” 

    He underwent a colonoscopy, and, although he felt “really good coming out of anesthesia,” was stunned to learn of his diagnosis.

    The actor briefly shared the treatment options he was considering, but didn’t go into any specific details

    Image credits: vanderjames

    Van Der Beek said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the whole process, even though it hasn’t been very easy.

    “The trickiest thing is there are so many unknowns with cancer,” he mentioned. “You think, ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is this hurting me? Is this working? Is it coming back?’ As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things.”

    He added, “I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great. When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know.

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    “I have a lot to live for.”

    Colon cancer rates are dropping steadily but “early on-set” stages of the disease have started to affect younger people

    Image credits: vanderjames

    Older adults are the most common victims of colon cancer but it seems the demographic is starting to change, according to Andreas Kaiser, professor and chief of the Division of Colorectal Surgery at the City of Hope

    In 2002, the average age for a colon cancer diagnosis was 72. By 2019, it was down to 66.

    “I’m seeing an alarming number of young patients,” Kaiser said, adding that he had even treated patients in their teens. 

    According to the Mayo Clinic, colon cancer occurs when small clumps of cells start growing rapidly in the largest part of the large intestine. Symptoms include a change in bowel habits or ongoing discomfort in the belly area. 

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    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

    Read less »
    Michelle Tian

    Michelle Tian

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Hi, there! I'm a newswriter at Bored Panda, born and raised in Vancouver, Canada. I have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Boston University, as well as a philosophy minor. A few of my other hobbies include dancing, reading, cooking, or listening to a true crime podcast. My favourite thing to report on includes groundbreaking news in the field of science — particularly marine biology! I definitely didn't do well very well studying it in school, but being a journalist lets me live out those dreams in a different and exciting way!

    What do you think ?
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    POST
    Dee Rutherford
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having been there and done that, I was luckily diagnosed fairly early. After a bowel resection, I am living with a mere two feet of Colon (out of five feet). I’m grateful to still be here.

    Griffy
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My boyfriend was in his early 50s when he was diagnosed and passed from it.

    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The NHS sends out test kits every 5 years or so to everyone over a certain age. Great to catch cancer early when there's a much better chance of a decent outcome. Also much cheaper for the NHS.

    Dee Rutherford
    Community Member
    1 month ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having been there and done that, I was luckily diagnosed fairly early. After a bowel resection, I am living with a mere two feet of Colon (out of five feet). I’m grateful to still be here.

    Griffy
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My boyfriend was in his early 50s when he was diagnosed and passed from it.

    Cee Cee
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The NHS sends out test kits every 5 years or so to everyone over a certain age. Great to catch cancer early when there's a much better chance of a decent outcome. Also much cheaper for the NHS.

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