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- James Van Der Beek died at 48 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Here’s what to know about common symptoms, which can be subtle. (businessinsider.com)
“Dawson’s Creek” Star James Van Der Beek Dies at 48, Highlighting Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates in Younger Adults
Los Angeles, CA – James Van Der Beek, beloved for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit show “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away at the age of 48. The actor’s death comes after a 2023 diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer, a battle he courageously shared with the public.
Van Der Beek’s passing underscores a concerning trend: the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer among individuals under 50. This alarming rise includes those who maintain active, healthy lifestyles, challenging previous assumptions about who is at risk.
The news of Van Der Beek’s death follows a recent report indicating that colon cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for people under 50. This somber statistic resonates with other high-profile cases, such as the passing of actor Chadwick Boseman from colorectal cancer at 43 in 2020.
Following his diagnosis, Van Der Beek became a vocal advocate for early screening, emphasizing the critical importance of tests like the Shield blood test or a colonoscopy.
Subtle Symptoms Often Mask Early Onset
Colorectal cancer symptoms can be deceptively subtle, often mirroring common gastrointestinal issues. Rectal bleeding, changes in bowel movements, bloating, and abdominal pain are among the most frequently reported.
Van Der Beek himself noted the quiet nature of his symptoms. “It didn’t feel like a real symptom of anything,” he previously shared with Business Insider.
“It wasn’t anything that made me rush off to go get screened.” This subtlety can lead to misdiagnoses, particularly in younger, seemingly healthy individuals, who may be initially treated for conditions like IBS or hemorrhoids.
Joshua Demb, an assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego, and a researcher specializing in early-onset colon cancer, advises individuals to pay close attention to any unusual changes in their bodies. Even minor stomach pain or bloating, if uncharacteristic, warrants investigation.
Healthy Lifestyles Not a Guarantee of Prevention
While a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for overall health and can reduce general cancer risk, they do not offer absolute immunity from colon cancer.
Van Der Beek expressed his surprise at his diagnosis, noting his commitment to a highly “biohacking” lifestyle. “I was doing all the biohacking things,” he recounted, detailing a regimen that included a balanced diet, sauna and cold plunges, weightlifting, Pilates, dancing, and football training.
Similar experiences have been shared by other colorectal cancer patients who spoke with Business Insider, including a personal trainer with a clean diet and a dedicated marathon runner. These stories serve as a powerful reminder that an active lifestyle, a whole foods-focused diet, and the absence of severe symptoms should not lead to complacency regarding screening.
The Imperative of Screening
After his diagnosis, Van Der Beek partnered with Guardant Health to promote the Shield blood test, a less invasive alternative to the traditional colonoscopy. He acknowledged that the preparation and procedure for a colonoscopy could be a deterrent for some. “I did not find a colonoscopy to be all that pleasant,” he stated, adding that “For people who are in a job where they can’t take that kind of time off of work, it can be a challenge.”
Other at-home screening options, such as Cologuard and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), are available for individuals aged 45 and above, the current recommended screening age for colon cancer.
It’s important to note that colonoscopies remain the “gold standard” for screening, offering the unique advantage of detecting and removing precancerous polyps during the procedure itself.
Regardless of the method chosen, Van Der Beek’s ultimate message was clear: “That’s my biggest message. Get screened.” His advocacy continues to resonate, urging more people to prioritize early detection in the fight against colorectal cancer.