James Van Der Beek Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer: “There’s Reason for Optimism”

James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The 47-year-old Dawson’s Creek actor told People this weekend he’s “been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

He added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Colorectal cancer is also referred to as colon or rectal cancer, and begins in the colon or rectum, per the American Cancer Society.

Known as the titular Dawson in Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003, Beek has also appeared on Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Pose. On the big screen, his film credits include Varsity Blues, Texas Rangers, The Rules of Attraction, Formosa Betrayed and Labor Day.

Later this year, Beek will appear alongside Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, NFL All-Pro Chris Jones, Tyler Posey and Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli in Fox’s The Real Full Monty, a two-hour special that will raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research. The event, based on a series of British TV specials, will end with the troupe performing a striptease act.

“Leading up to the final disrobing, the men will push their limits of comfortability, modesty and brotherhood with a series of rehearsals and experiences, both private and public, designed to build confidence and remove them far from their comfort zone and strengthen their bond as a group,” a Fox release reads. “Along the way, each of the celebrities will share their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their lives.”