Camilla Jessen
Van Der Beek shares raw cancer update.
James Van Der Beek has shared his ongoing battle with colorectal cancer.
The actor, known for his breakout role on Dawson’s Creek, has been candid about the physical, emotional and financial strain of treatment.
Early signs and diagnosis
Van Der Beek learned he had stage three colorectal cancer in 2023.
Before the diagnosis, he dismissed his symptoms as harmless changes in digestion.
He told Healthline there was “no red flag or something glaring,” and later explained to People, “I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee… But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out.’”
He recalled feeling unexpectedly calm during his procedure, only to hear the grim words afterward: “It is cancer.”
The actor has since described how the illness forced him to step back from daily family life.
Speaking on Instagram, he said, “I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife… I could not be a provider because I wasn’t working.”
Family impact
Work, he said, has served as a brief escape. “The greatest thing about work is a cancer doesn’t exist between action and cut.”
He acknowledged the process will likely continue “for the rest of my life.”
More recently, he shared that his children have become helpers at home as he undergoes further care.
Van Der Beek also expressed disappointment that he missed a Dawson’s Creek reunion, telling fans, “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug this beautiful cast in person.”
He thanked supporters, saying, “Especially every single one of you, the best fans in the world.” Fans have responded with messages of love, many noting his frail appearance and urging strength.
Faith and resilience
The actor has reflected on how cancer reshaped his understanding of health. “I thought I was way ahead of the game… There was no reason in my mind that I should have gotten a positive diagnosis.” His faith, he said, has become a guide: “I am worthy of God’s love, simply because I exist.”
To help fund treatment, Van Der Beek has again turned to fundraising efforts, partnering with Propstore for a memorabilia auction scheduled for Dec. 5–7, 2025.
Items include Dawson’s prom necklace, estimated at up to $52,800, and his pilot-episode outfit with a starting bid near $4,000.
He told fans he had held onto these pieces for years but now felt “the time is now.” Letting them go is emotional, he added, yet it allows him to share them “with those who have supported my work over the years.”
This is not the first time he has sold memorabilia to ease the financial burden of his illness.
Sources: People, Newsner
