James Van Der Beek’s Cancer Diagnosis: Expert Explains Disease

James Van Der Beek recently announced that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer — but what does the disease entail?

“Colorectal cancer is a cancer that arises in your colon or your rectum,” gastroenterologist Roshini Raj exclusively told Us Weekly on Monday, November 4. “So part of your large intestine.”

Here’s more need-to-know information.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Raj, who has not personally treated Van Der Beek, 47, shared that colorectal cancer can be present “without causing any symptoms” so it is crucial that everyone gets checked out and the best method is a colonoscopy. However, there are a few warning signs including blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or a change in the shape of your stool.

When to Get Tested

“It’s really important to get screened at the appropriate age,” Raj explained. “The recommendation now is to start screening at age 45, but you may need to be screened even earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps in the family or other genetic predispositions.”

While the type of cancer is rising in men, Raj explained that it is a common cancer for both sexes, and both men and women should be alert and screened. He also noted that there has been an “increase” in colorectal cancer for younger individuals.

What’s the Treatment Regimen?

If a person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the first thing a doctor does is determine its stage. If caught early, it is “very treatable” per Raj. Determining the stage of the cancer happens when medical professionals analyze the size of the tumor or determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs. To treat the disease, surgery is often needed and can be followed with chemotherapy or radiation, depending on each case.

“The five year survival for stage one is over 95%,” Raj told Us. “Don’t be afraid to get that colonoscopy and potentially get the diagnosis. Because if caught early, you have a very good chance of getting the right treatment and surviving very well.”

Is it Preventable, and How Can People Lower Their Risk?

According to Raj — cofounder of the supplement brand YayDay — studies have shown that maintaining a high fiber diet could help people lower their risk of colorectal cancer. He encouraged people to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other fiber rich foods into their diet while also maintaining an active healthy lifestyle.

What James Van Der Beek Said About His Diagnosis

On Sunday, November 3, Van Der Beek revealed he was battling colorectal cancer. The Dawson’s Creek alum later shared that he was feeling optimistic about his health.

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” the actor wrote via his Instagram at the time. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi