Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has spoken about his decision to go public with his cancer diagnosis.
The 47-year-old actor revealed that he had had colon cancer for some time Instagram post on Sunday and that an unnamed tabloid was preparing to break the story, so he decided to beat them to it.
Van Der Beek said yes diagnosed with colorectal cancer– a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum – and with which I wanted to do an interview People magazine about it, but was forced to reveal it ahead of schedule.
“There’s no playbook for how to announce these things… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. But that plan had to change early this morning when I learned that a tabloid was going to make the news spread,” Van Der Beek said in the post.
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He added that while he decided how to tell the world about his diagnosis, he got treatment and focused on his health.
“I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite an initiation and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Apologies to all the people in my life that I wish I had told myself. Nothing about this process has taken place on my preferred timeline… But we are going to roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost and pointing us to a greater destiny than We would have discovered it without divine intervention.”
The actor thanked his fans for their messages of support People I ended up having an interview with him on the same day.
“I have colorectal cancer. I have dealt with this diagnosis privately and have taken steps to resolve it, with the support of my wonderful family,” says the Dancing with the stars alum told the outlet.
“There is reason for optimism and I feel good.”
Newsweek contacted Van Der Beek representatives by email for comment.
The actor has been married to business advisor Kimberly Van Der Beek since 2010. The couple have six children: Olivia, 13, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, seven, Gwendolyn, six, and Jeremiah, two.
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the U.S. among men and women combined, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and when detected early, it has a 90 percent survival rate.
Symptoms of colon cancer include blood in or on your stool, unexplained weight loss, changing bowel habits, and persistent abdominal pain.
Fans responded to Van Der Beek’s diagnosis in the comments of his Instagram post.
“I’m so sorry that a tabloid violated your privacy in this way. This is your story that you should have had complete autonomy to share on your timeline and on your terms. Lifting your entire family. ,” wrote meteorologist Bree Sunshine Smith .
“Oh James, I am so sorry that you have not been able to discuss this news on your own terms. I know that when the time comes, your voice and experience will be so valuable. My thoughts are with you and your sweet family,” said @margaret.merriweather.
“Praying for you and your beautiful family, James. And I’m sorry you didn’t get to tell the world when you wanted to,” he added. Community actor Yvette Nicole Brown.