Why Early Symptoms Are Easy to Miss
Colorectal cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages. According to experts, symptoms may include:
Persistent abdominal discomfort
Changes in bowel habits
Blood in the stool
Ongoing fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
A feeling that the bowel doesn’t fully empty
However, many people experience no noticeable symptoms at all — especially in the early stages. That’s why routine screening is so important.
Treatment and Hope
Treatment often begins with surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending on the stage and location of the cancer. The Mayo Clinic notes that treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s overall health and preferences.
When caught early, colorectal cancer is highly treatable — and in many cases, preventable through screening that detects precancerous growths before they become dangerous.
“You Don’t Need Symptoms to Get Screened”
In a December 2025 interview with NBC 6, Van Der Beek emphasized a misconception he once believed himself: that screening is only necessary when something feels seriously wrong.
“You don’t,” he said plainly. “You can have no symptoms and still have cancer.”
Screening is commonly recommended starting at age 45 in many regions, yet millions delay testing — often out of fear, inconvenience, or the belief they’re too young or healthy to be at risk.
Van Der Beek shared that seeing others catch the disease early strengthened his belief in prevention. Some friends, he said, were screened, treated promptly, and able to move forward with their lives — a reminder of the power of early detection.
A Legacy of Awareness
On February 11, his family announced that he had passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. In the months following his public diagnosis, he made it a personal mission to encourage others to take screening seriously.
His message was simple, urgent, and compassionate: don’t wait.
Colorectal cancer doesn’t always announce itself loudly. But screening can make the difference between early treatment and a far more difficult journey.
If this story moved you, consider sharing it with someone you care about. A simple reminder to get screened could help save a life.