James Van Der Beek apologises to family after colorectal cancer diagnosis

James Van Der Beek has apologised to his loved ones who found out about his cancer diagnosis from the media. It was revealed on Monday morning that the 47-year-old actor, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in Dawson's Creek, had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

James shared a statement to People announcing his diagnosis where he said he’s remaining optimistic and “feeling good”.

“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 told the publication. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

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Following the announcement, James shared a lengthy post on Instagram explaining that he didn’t expect the news to be made public so suddenly.

“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,” he wrote.

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

Why James Van Der Beek apologised to loved ones

The father-of-six went on to share that he’s been getting treatment and is now “in a good place” and “feeling strong”, although he wishes he had more control over how his diagnosis was announced to the world.

“Apologies to all the people in my life who I’d planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline,” he continued. “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.

“Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.”

James' followers send their support: 'So sorry about this'

His famous followers quickly took to the comments to share their well wishes, with Yvette Nicole Brown writing: “Praying for you and your beautiful family, James. And I'm sorry you didn't get to tell the world when you wanted to.”

“Love you and your most beautiful family so very much and sending all the love strength and healing,” Rachel Zoe shared, followed by his Dancing With The Stars partner Emma Slater who said, “All my Iove always and forever partner”.

“So sorry about this, sending you love and thoughts and wishes for your full health. Total drag it wasn’t on your timeline, but there’s a lot of love out here come your way!” One Tree Hill actress Daphne Zuniga replied.

James is set to appear on The Real Full Monty next month where he and a group of male celebrities will strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.

What is colorectal cancer?

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, develops from the inner lining of the bowel and is usually preceded by growths called polyps, according to the Cancer Council. It can also be referred to as colon or rectal cancer, depending on where it begins.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with one in 20 people estimated to be diagnosed by the time they are 85.

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Some factors that increase your risk of colorectal cancer include being overweight, a low-fibre diet, high red meat consumption, alcohol consumption, smoking tobacco and family history. Symptoms can include a change in bowel habit, a change in the appearance or consistency of bowel movements, abdominal pain and rectal pain.

The main treatment for early colorectal cancer is surgery, while radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often used.

You can learn more about colorectal cancer and the free home test kit here.

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