James Van Der Beek addresses “tough year” dealing with cancer
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has addressed his “tough year” dealing with his colorectal cancer diagnosis, which he revealed earlier this month.
Yesterday (November 28), Van Der Beek shared a family photo on his Instagram page – featuring what he calls his “little blonde army” of children – in celebration of Thanksgiving. “It’s been a tough year… and I’m thankful for all of it,” he began.
“For the giant life re-direct cancer has placed in my path. For the gift of knowing what it feels like to have friends come through on such a profound level, and in ways I never would have been able to ask for had I not been going through it.”
The 47-year-old actor continued: “I’m grateful for this new relationship I have to my body, and what I feed it. I’m grateful to each and every one of you who has reached out and sent good vibes and prayers. It all lands and makes a difference.”
Colorectal cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It affects the large intestine and digestion, and will statistically affect one in every 23 men throughout their lifetime.
Earlier this month, Van Der Beek told PEOPLE Magazine: “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.”
He continued to say that “there’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” but did not expand more on his condition.
In a follow-up post on social media, he wrote: “I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong.”
Van Der Beek is best known for playing the titular Dawson Leery in the cult classic TV series Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003. Other prominent TV series that he has started in include Don’t Trust The B—- in Apartment 23, Friends With Better Lives, CSI: Cyber and more.
As for films, Van Der Beek is known for roles in Varsity Blues, The Rules Of Attraction, Scary Movie, Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back, Labor Day and Downsizing.
Despite his colorectal diagnosis, James Van Der Beek has a busy schedule ahead of him. In June, it was reported that he had signed on to star in Sidelined: The QB and Me, a forthcoming Tubi series based on the Wattpad novel The BQ Bad Boy and Me. Then in December, Van Der Beek will appear on The Real Full Monty two-hour special to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing.
The post James Van Der Beek addresses “tough year” dealing with cancer appeared first on NME.
Daniel Peters
NME
