Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek reveals cancer diagnosis

American actor James Van Der Beek has revealed that he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The Dawson's Creek star has been "privately dealing with the diagnosis", and remains optimistic as he said he is "feeling good".

Despite the diagnosis, the actor has still been working as he takes steps to combat it, according to PEOPLE Magazine.

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"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 magazine.

The 47-year-old also added: "There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."

He did not share the specifics of any treatment he is pursuing.

Colorectal cancer is a serious condition, with one in 23 men facing this diagnosis on average. While survival rates vary, approximately 65% of men survive past five years after diagnosis.

James rose to fame playing the lead of Dawson's Creek, Dawson Leery, on the iconic series from 1998 to 2003.

He is married to wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and they share six children : Olivia, 13; Joshua, 12; Annabel Leah, 10; Emilia, eight; Gwendolyn, six; and Jeremiah, two.

The couple celebrated 14 years of marriage during the summer, with James taking to Instagram to write: "14 years… I always say it doesn’t feel like that long. You always say it does. Nothing could have prepared us for this past year—except perhaps the previous 12. Thank you for being the most incredible partner. You’ve broken me open in spots I didn’t even know were locked, and taught me how to receive more love than I thought possible.”

He went on to thank Kimberly for being his “courage, strength, vulnerability, and tenderness” during one of the most challenging times of his life. “In the past, I feel like you’ve always set the pace for our co-evolution, but this year, as I’ve gone through my own radical transformation, you’ve tirelessly put in the work and somehow managed to match it. I love you beyond. Happy anniversary. Thank you for being in the world.”