US actor James van der Beek says he has colon cancer. “It’s cancer,” writes the 47-year-old, who became famous in the 90s with the US teen series “Dawson’s Creek,” on Instagram. Many people around the world hear this diagnosis every year, van der Beek continues. “And I’m one of them.”
“So far, I’ve handled this privately, gotten treatment and focused more than ever on my overall health,” the father of six said on Instagram. “I am in good shape and feel strong”. James van der Beek thanked Instagram for “all the love and support” he and his family received.
The actor told the US magazine People that he had colon cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about one in 23 men will be diagnosed with colon cancer during their lifetime. The risk is similarly high in women.
Van der Beek is set to appear on “The Real Full Monty,” a television show in which celebrities appear naked to raise awareness of prostate, testicular and colon cancer testing and research. The special on Fox was for December been announcedbefore van der Beek made his diagnosis public.
