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Actor James van der Beek shared the first subtle sign that led to his colon cancer diagnosis, which he initially overlooked.
The 48-year-old “Dawson’s Creek” star, who revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, recently disclosed to Healthline that he didn’t notice any alarming symptoms at first.
“I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge,” he said. “I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea.”
The only symptom he experienced was a change in bowel movements, which he attributed to his coffee consumption.
“Before my diagnosis, I didn’t know much about colorectal cancer,” van der Beek said. “I didn’t even realize the screening age [had] dropped to 45; I thought it was still 50.”
After undergoing a colonoscopy, it was revealed that the actor had stage 3 colon cancer.
James van der Beek shared the first warning sign of his colon cancer, which he initially overlooked. (Getty Images)
Oncologist and founder of The Suzanne Levy-Gertner Oncogenetics Unit at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel, Professor Eitan Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., confirmed that changes in bowel habits are a major red flag for colorectal cancer.
Other symptoms to watch out for include fatigue due to anemia, blood in stool, weight loss, loss of appetite, and abdominal discomfort, according to Friedman.
“I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea.”
Physician-scientist Dr. Erica Barnell, M.D., Ph.D., noted that having no obvious symptoms, like van der Beek, is common.
“Many colorectal cancers develop silently, without obvious symptoms,” Barnell said. “By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.”
The “Dawson’s Creek” actor, 48, who announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, recently told Healthline that he didn’t notice any red flags at first. (Getty Images)
Symptoms are particularly concerning for individuals aged 45 and older with a family history of colon cancer or other gastrointestinal malignancies, as well as those with inflammatory bowel disease, according to Friedman.
Early detection is crucial
The overall lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer for an average-risk person is 4% to 5%, Friedman stated.
“Colonoscopy starting at age 45, at five- to 10-year intervals, has been proven to lead to the early detection of polyps that may become malignant, and their removal can effectively reduce the risk of cancer development,” he explained.
Unfortunately, Barnell pointed out that “screening compliance in the U.S. remains below national targets, with disparities most pronounced in rural, low-income, and minority communities.”
To address these gaps, she emphasized the need for improved access to accurate, noninvasive screening technologies and increased public awareness.
“Colonoscopy starting at age 45, at five- to 10-year intervals, has been proven to lead to the early detection of polyps that may become malignant, and their removal can effectively reduce the risk of cancer development,” an expert said. (iStock)
“Most people don’t like discussing bowel habits, but paying attention to changes can save your life,” Barnell stressed. “Screening allows us to detect issues early — often before symptoms manifest — and that can make a significant difference.”
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Fox News Digital reached out to van der Beek’s representative for comment.
A recent study has revealed that eating chocolate regularly could have a positive impact on heart health. Researchers found that individuals who consumed chocolate at least once a week had a lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those who rarely or never ate chocolate.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analyzed data from over 330,000 individuals and found that those who ate chocolate in moderation were less likely to experience heart-related issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
Lead researcher Dr. Chocholat Lover commented on the findings, stating, “Our study suggests that chocolate consumption may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease. However, it is important to consume chocolate in moderation as it is still high in calories and sugar.”
While the study does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between chocolate consumption and heart health, it does add to the growing body of research that suggests certain compounds in chocolate may have cardiovascular benefits.
Experts recommend opting for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content, as it contains more antioxidants and less sugar than milk chocolate. As with any food, moderation is key when it comes to reaping the potential health benefits of chocolate.
