James Van Der Beek claims he has colorectal cancer

Actor James Van Der Beek, 47, revealed his colon cancer diagnosis to the world on Sunday.

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” Mr. Van Der Beek, 47, said in a post on Instagram. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong.”

Mr. Van Der Beek revealed that he had colorectal cancer, which arises in the tissue of the colon or rectum, in an interview with People Magazine. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 23 males may receive a colorectal cancer diagnosis over their lifetime. The risk is comparable for women.

The actor's most well-known performance was in the title character of the 1998–2003 teen drama "Dawson's Creek." He later starred in the 1999 cult classic "Varsity Blues," which was about a high school football squad and was released by Paramount. Mr. Van Der Beek played the role of Jonathan Moxton, also known as Mox, a talented quarterback who was divided between his studies and athletics.

The actor's most well-known performance was in the title character of the 1998–2003 teen drama "Dawson's Creek." He just made an appearance as a guest on an episode of "Walker," and later this month he will make an appearance in the Tubi film "Sidelined: The QB and Me."

With roles in "Ugly Betty," "One Tree Hill," and "How I Met Your Mother," he has acted in some of the biggest TV drama hits of the 2000s.

Van Der Beek has six children with his wife Kimberly.