James Van Der Beek Shares His Cancer Journey: 'I Have a Lot to Live For'

James Van Der Beek publicly shared on November 3 that he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at 46. Now, he hopes to raise awareness about this disease, which increasingly affects healthy adults under 55. "I'm sharing to help others and shine a light on this illness," he told PEOPLE in a recent interview.

Living in Texas with his wife Kimberly and their six children, Van Der Beek emphasizes the support of his family during this challenging time. He has managed much of his journey privately, but finds strength in public sharing. His goal is to help others understand the risks of colorectal cancer as it rises from one in ten diagnoses in 1995 to one in five today for individuals under 55, according to the American Cancer Society.

Initially, Van Der Beek had no reason to worry about his health. He exercised regularly and followed a healthy diet, with no family history of cancer. "I associated cancer with being older or having poor health," he explained, "as I maintained good cardiovascular health."

However, during the summer of 2023, he noticed changes in his bowel movements. Initially attributing this to his diet, he thought eliminating coffee might help. When symptoms did not improve, he bravely decided to consult a doctor.

"I remember feeling confident post-anesthesia until the gastroenterologist delivered the difficult news," he recounted. This shocking moment ultimately marked the beginning of his battle against cancer.

Van Der Beek has since engaged in treatment, which may include surgery and chemotherapy. He has chosen to keep specific medical details private but acknowledges he's undergoing a significant transformation. "This experience is teaching me to appreciate life in a whole new way," he stated.

Despite striving for positivity, difficulty arises with the uncertainties cancer brings. "Navigating all these unknowns can be challenging," he revealed. Doubt prompts questions like, "Is this treatment effective? Will the cancer return?"

While he avoids commenting on actual recovery stages, he remains optimistic about his health. "I'm feeling good and cautiously optimistic about where I am now," he shares. With a hopeful outlook, Van Der Beek declares, "I have a lot to live for."

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