Less than two months before his passing, James Van Der Beek shared a message that now feels especially powerful: “You can have no symptoms and still have cancer.”
Those words underline a critical reality — colorectal cancer often develops quietly, without obvious warning signs. And by the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.
A Growing Global Concern
Colorectal cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. In 2020 alone, an estimated 930,000 people lost their lives to the disease globally. In the United States, the American Cancer Society projects that more than 55,000 deaths could occur in 2026, making it the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women combined.
Behind every statistic is a family, a story, and a life cut short. In recent years, several well-known figures have brought renewed attention to the disease. In 2020, Chadwick Boseman, beloved for his role in Black Panther, died at just 43 after a private battle with colorectal cancer. Now, Van Der Beek’s death at 48 adds another heartbreaking chapter.
A Diagnosis That Came as a Shock
In a November 2024 interview with People, the former Dawson’s Creek star revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at 46.
“I’d always associated cancer with age and unhealthy lifestyles,” he said, explaining that he considered himself physically fit and mindful about his diet.
It wasn’t until the summer of 2023 that he began noticing subtle digestive changes. At first, he dismissed them — wondering if coffee or cream might be the culprit. When symptoms didn’t improve, he decided to schedule a colonoscopy.
The results were life-changing.
Despite feeling well after the procedure, his doctor delivered the unexpected news: cancer. Van Der Beek later described going into shock upon hearing the diagnosis.
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