James Van Der Beek, well known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has revealed that he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
While speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, the 47-year-old actor said he has "been privately dealing with this diagnosis" while "taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family." Van Der Beek has six children with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
Colorectal cancer develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum, and may be referred to as colon or rectal, depending on where it starts. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancers mostly start as a growth - known as a polyp - on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.
"Polyps are quite common, especially as you get older. Most polyps are benign, or noncancerous," the ACS explains. The type of polyp can impact the odds of it becoming cancerous.
Colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer diagnosed in the U.S., can spread if it is not treated, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, screening tests, early treatment, and new kinds of treatment have led to fewer people dying from the cancer, the health system notes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that while the risk of getting colorectal cancer increases as we age, there are other risk factors, like a history of colorectal cancer or having an inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease. A lack of regular physical activity, poor diet, obesity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use can also contribute to an increased risk.
Those between the ages of 45 and 75 are encouraged to undergo regular screening tests for colorectal cancer, the Cleveland Clinic explains.
Treatments can vary between colon cancer and rectal cancer, but common options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Van Der Beek did not share any additional details about his diagnosis but said, "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."
He won't be taking a break from acting, either. PEOPLE reports that he is set to star in a Tubi original film airing later this month, "Sidelined: The QB and Me." In December, Van Der Beek will appear on "The Real Full Monty," a two-hour special featuring male celebrities that will strip down to raise awareness about prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
Van Der Beek has been acting for more than three decades, with his credits dating back to the 1990s on IMDb. While "Dawson's Creek" and appearances on "One Tree Hill" and "CSI: Cyber" are among his most popular, his more recent roles have included a one-episode arc on "Walker" and 69 episodes of voicing Boris on the children's show, "Vampirina."