James Van Der Beek Reveals the Colon Cancer Symptoms He Missed Before Diagnosis: ‘I Went Into Shock’

James Van Der Beek was sure that he was on top of his health — but then he was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. After revealing his diagnosis earlier this week, the actor has shared additional details about his medical journey in hopes of raising awareness about colorectal cancer.

“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time,” Van Der Beek recently told People. He cut coffee from his diet last summer, thinking there was a correlation between his consumption and his irregular bowel movements. When that didn’t work, he headed to the hospital.

“Then the gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — that it was cancer,” Van Der Beek said. “I think I went into shock … The trickiest thing is there are so many unknowns with cancer. You think, ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is this hurting me? Is this working? Is it coming back?’ As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things.”

Still, the actor is feeling “very cautiously optimisitc,” adding: “I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great. When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know.”

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Treatment for colorectal cancer varies by the stage of the cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Some require chemotherapy, while others can be treated through targeted therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or gastroenterological treatment.

Van Der Beek has not shared any details about his treatment plan, opting to maintain a sense of privacy as he navigates the condition. He previously stated that he didn’t plan to announce his diagnosis on social media, but found his hand forced when he learned that a tabloid planned on running the news. “I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”