Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek reveals cancer diagnosis

One of the stars of Dawson’s Creek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, news he’s been “privately dealing” with until today.

James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The Dawson’s Creek star, 47, revealed his health diagnosis in an interview with People published Sunday, thanking his “incredible family” for their support.

“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,” the actor said.

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

Colorectal cancer can be referred to as either colon or rectal cancer depending on where the cancer starts, according to the American Cancer Society.

Both the colon and the rectum make up the large intestine in the digestive system.

Despite his cancer diagnosis, Van Der Beek has kept busy with his acting career which includes a cameo on the series Walker.

Van Der Beek says he’s “feeling positive” despite the diagnosis. Picture: Getty

Van Der Beek shot to fame in the late 90s as the star of Dawson’s Creek.

He is also starring in the Tubi original film Sidelined: The QB and Me, set to be released on November 29.

Van Der Beek has also been sharing a plethora of family photos in recent weeks with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children via Instagram.

The family recently celebrated Halloween together which James gushed over on Instagram on Friday.

“I made all my own costumes growing up. Didn’t really have a choice. But I loved it,” James penned in the caption.

“Should probably have been the first warning sign to my parents that I would end up an actor.”

He then revealed that his daughter Gwendolyn, 6, had to get creative with her angel costume this year.

“But in a SPIRIT HALLOWEEN world … my six year-old was devastated that her angel costume would not arrive in time for trick-or-treating. After acknowledging the tears, she was given the project of making her own halo, which she worked on for HOURS,” he explained.

James and his wife’s children include: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, and Gwendolyn. Jeremiah.

James and wife Kimberley have six children.

The Varsity Blues star and his wife tied the knot in 2010. He recently gushed over their 14-year-long marriage on Instagram and seemingly hinted at going through the cancer diagnosis with Kimberly by his side.

“Nothing could have prepared us for this past year – except perhaps the previous 12,” James wrote in part.

He was previously married to actress Heather McComb from 2003 until they called it quits in 2010.

This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.