Yahoo Lifestyle James Van Der Beek Revealed That He Was Forced To Share His Cancer Diagnosis Earlier Than Planned Because A Tabloid Was Going To Break The Story
On Sunday, People exclusively revealed that Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer at 47 years old.
In the article, James confirmed his diagnosis, telling the outlet: "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.”
“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good," his brief statement concluded.
James's spokesperson also confirmed the story to multiple other outlets.
However, James has since taken to Instagram to reveal that he had actually been forced to go public with the news earlier than he would have liked because he was told that another media outlet planned to run the story regardless.
James explained that he had initially hoped to do an in-depth interview with People magazine about his diagnosis to help raise awareness and tell his story on his own terms.
The actor also apologized to loved ones who learned the news online before he had a chance to tell them himself as he opened up some more about his situation.
Sharing a slideshow of photos of himself with his family, James told his 1.5 million followers: “‘It is cancer…’ Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them.”
“There’s no playbook for how 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 went on. “But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news.”
“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,” James added. “It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
He then wrote: “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… 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.”
James concluded the post with: “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come…”
Needless to say, the star was flooded with support from both his friends and fans, with fellow ‘90s star Danielle Fishel commenting: “Here for you if you need to talk with someone also going through it. ❤️” following her breast cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Per the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer begins in the colon or the rectum, with the website stating: "These cancers can also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where they start. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they have many features in common."
The ACS goes on to say that colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States.
James has continued to work throughout his colorectal diagnosis, and was already billed to be part of a two-hour special called The Real Full Monty alongside other male celebrities to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
The show hopes to challenge the stigma around prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer, and will air on FOX on Dec. 9.
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