Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek apologises to loved ones for hiding cancer diagnosis

James Van Der Beek, 47, who rose to fame in Dawson’s Creek, has revealed why he announced his cancer diagnosis to a magazine before telling all of his family and friends.

Dawson’s Creek alum James Van Der Beek has apologised to his loved ones for announcing his cancer battle in a magazine.

The actor, 47, revealed he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer via a statement to People published in Sunday US time.

He has since explained he had planned to tell all of those close to him but was forced to “alter” his plan because his diagnosis was allegedly going to be leaked by “a tabloid”.

“There’s no playbook for how to announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon … to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms,” Van Der Beek said in a post on Instagram.

“But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news,” he added.

The father of six said he was “privately” dealing with the diagnosis and “getting treatment and dialing(sic) in my overall health with greater focus than ever before” before making his heath battle public.

James Van Der Beek has revealed he has cancer. Picture: Getty Images for iHeartMedia

James Van Der Beek with Dawson’s Creek co-stars Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams and Katie Holmes.

“I’m in a good place and feeling strong,” he told his fans. “It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

“Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself,” Van Der Beek continued.

“Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline … But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.”

He added: “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come …”

In his interview with People, Van Der Beek said there was “reason for optimism”.

“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 US actor said.

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

James and his family during Halloween. Picture: Instagram

James and his wife Kimberly share six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah. Picture: Instagram

Van Der Beek is married with six children and regularly shares happy snaps with his family on social media.

In August, he appeared to hint at his private health battle when he posted a message to mark his 14th wedding anniversary.

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

“Thank you for being the most incredible partner. You’ve broken me open in spots I didn’t even know were locked, and taught me how to receive more love than I thought possible.”

James thanked the support of his “incredible family”. Picture: Instagram

Amid his health struggle, Van Der Beek has continued to work including a recent cameo on the series Walker and he is also starring in the upcoming film Sidelined: The QB and Me.

On Friday, he posted about his family’s Halloween celebrations.

“I made all my own costumes growing up. Didn’t really have a choice. But I loved it. Should probably have been the first warning sign to my parents that I would end up an actor,” he said in his caption of their family photos.

He then revealed that his daughter Gwendolyn, six, had to make her own costume after the one she ordered was delayed.

“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 continued.

“And the look of pride on her face upon seeing the final project in the mirror was, for me … my favorite (sic) moment of Halloween.”

Originally published as Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek apologises to loved ones for hiding cancer diagnosis