James Van Der Beek's Cancer Diagnosis

Alex Apatoff

November 11, 2024 at 12:44 p.m.·1 min read

The actor opens up to PEOPLE about finding out he has colorectal cancer — and what's next for him

James Van Der Beek revealed on Nov. 3 that he'd been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46, saying he had been undergoing treatment, "there is reason for optimism and I'm feeling good."

He opened up further in an interview with PEOPLE, detailing what led him to undergo testing, how he reacted to the news and what he's changed in his lifestyle as a result of the diagnosis.

Learn more about Van Der Beek's health journey, as well as what to know about this type of cancer and the increasing incidences of cancer in younger people, below.

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James Van Der Beek's Cancer Diagnosis

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