James Van Der Beek made his name playing Dawson Leery in the hit US show(Image: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)

Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek reveals bowel cancer battle

by · Wales Online

Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek says he there is "reason for optimism" after revealing he has been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The 47-year-old, who has six children aged between 14 and two, says that he is "feeling good" in an interview with US outlet People.

The star made his name playing Dawson Leery in the US teen drama series from 1998 to 2003, and is due to appear in a US Fox special called The Real Full Monty, which is based on the 1997 British film and will see a group of male celebrities strip down to raise awareness for cancer awareness and research.

He told People: "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."

The Connecticut actor has continued to work, recently appearing in an episode of Walker, the reboot of Walker, Texas Ranger, on US network The CW, and will appear in Sidelined: The QB And Me, a Tubi original film which will be released on November 29.

Symptoms of bowel cancer

Symptoms of bowel cancer may include:

  • changes in your poo such as having softer poo, diarrhoea, or constipation that is not usual for you
  • needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
  • blood in your poo which may look red or black
  • bleeding from your bottom
  • often feeling like you need to poo even if you've just been to the toilet
  • tummy pain
  • bloating
  • losing weight without trying
  • feeling very tired for no reason

You can find out more information at Bowel Cancer UK including where to find support through your diagnosis and beyond.

He told People he has also been prioritising time with his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Van Der Beek is also known for his roles as a fictional version of himself in Don't Trust the B-- in Apartment 23, in CSI: Cyber as FBI agent Elijah Mundo, and as Matt Bromley in the first season of the FX drama Pose.

Bowel cancer can develop in the rectum or colon and is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK. Bowel Cancer UK says: "Knowing the symptoms is important to help spot bowel cancer early. The earlier that it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be.

"Bowel cancer is cancer that begins in the large bowel, which is made up of the colon and rectum. It’s sometimes called colorectal cancer."