James Van Der Beek is opening up about his colorectal cancer battle, newfound creative passions, and urges regular screenings to raise awareness in a heartfelt life update.
Actor James Van Der Beek, widely known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, has been candid about his ongoing journey with colorectal cancer since publicly revealing his diagnosis in 2024. Despite the challenges, James Van Der Beek remains optimistic, grateful, and inspired, describing how his health struggles have reignited his love for storytelling and acting.
In an exclusive interview with Parade, James Van Der Beek shared how facing cancer helped him rethink his relationship with his career and success. “I really let go of any attachments that I had to what it means to be an actor, or what my own version of success is or felt like or needs to be,” he said. “I just really felt like, ‘Oh, I could walk away from this.’ And then when I got cancer and I looked around at the world and where my place is in it and wanting to stay in it, I realized I love to tell stories. I really am so grateful for this opportunity to write and to act.”
Beyond acting, James Van Der Beek has revealed a lesser-known passion for singing, which many may have seen glimpses of during his appearance on The Masked Singer. In a heartfelt TikTok video posted on August 8, he described a recent emotional moment in New York City where he sang alongside a pianist. “I was so emotionally lit up, I was overcome… I almost started to cry,” he said.
@vanderjames When we create, we are literally aligning our energy with that of the creator. We become creators. And in that place of creation… I truly believe anything is possible. Thank you, #NewYork, for being everything you are, with all your layers and complications and contradictions and challenges. You helped raise me, and it was beautiful to touch base with you last week. #creativityheals #cancer #cancerjourney ♬ original sound – James Van Der Beek
Reflecting on his experience, James Van Der Beek observed how people often chase goals set by younger, less experienced versions of themselves. “How much happier would we be if we could just erase those outdated goals… forgive ourselves for not meeting that bar, and just go to something that lights us up?” he asked. He added that singing brought him relief from pain for the first time in days, calling it a healing passion during a tough week.
James Van Der Beek’s openness has resonated with many fans, who praised his insight and positivity. One commenter wrote, “There is so much that goes into it… Life is so complex. And should be taken so seriously but yet so literally. Love this. ✌🏻❤️”
Alongside sharing his personal journey, James Van Der Beek is actively raising awareness about colorectal cancer. Partnering with Guardant Health, which provides a simple blood draw screening, he encourages everyone to get screened regularly—even without symptoms. “One of the things I really want to get across to people is that you don’t need symptoms to start getting screened. Put it on your radar, talk to your doctor,” he told Parade. He revealed that at diagnosis, he was in excellent cardiovascular shape, doing sauna and cold plunges, yet was unaware he had stage 3 cancer.
James Van Der Beek’s story underscores the importance of early detection and screening, especially since colorectal cancer can develop silently. Experts note that changes in bowel habits are a key warning sign, though many symptoms appear only after the disease advances. Despite the drop in recommended screening age to 45, many people remain unaware or fail to get screened.
Fans who have followed James Van Der Beek since his early days continue to find inspiration in his vulnerability and advocacy, as he uses his platform to educate and encourage health awareness while pursuing his creative passions with renewed purpose.