James Van Der Beek’s Death Shines Light on Early Colon Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore, a Gastroenterologist Says
This week, Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek died at 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, less than three years after his diagnosis. The actor's passing has brought attention to the troubling rise of colon cancer in younger Americans. One in five people diagnosed with colorectal cancer is now under the age of 55, according to the Cancer Research Institute.
"While colorectal cancer rates are declining in people ages 65 and older, they are increasing by about 2 percent per year in people ages 50 to 54, as well as in people younger than age 50," says Tracy Proverbs-Singh, M.D., Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Malignancies at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center. "The numbers bring a new level of urgency to the issue of early-onset colorectal cancer and screenings, as colon cancer is a treatable disease when caught early."
Here’s what Van Der Beek’s cancer story can teach us about recognizing symptoms, understanding risk factors, and the importance of early screening.
James Van Der Beek's Colon Cancer
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2023 at the age of 46. He had a colonoscopy done after experiencing changes in his bowel movements, which he attributed to his coffee habit. A year later, he shared his diagnosis with the public, recounting how he never experienced any glaring red flags.
"I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge," he said in an interview with Healthline. "I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea."
And that's exactly why regular checkups and early screenings matter. In response to the alarming increase in colon cancer diagnoses among people under 50, major health organizations have lowered the recommended age for initial screening to 45 for most individuals.
Related: Celebs Mourn the Passing of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek
Colon Cancer Symptoms
Common colon cancer symptoms include:
- Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrower stools)
- Rectal bleeding
- Blood in stool
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
"Research is ongoing regarding the root causes of the increase in younger cases of colon cancer," Proberbs-Singh adds. "Early indications point to lifestyle, diet, environmental factors, and the relationship with our immune system and gut bacteria, Flora."
How to Prevent Colon Cancer
"Many people are unaware that they can actually take steps to reduce their risk of developing colon cancer," she adds. "Since most colon cancers develop from precancerous polyps, screening tests can find and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer. Lifestyle factors also play a significant role."
Along with screening, lifestyle interventions like eating a low-fat diet high in fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use can help lower your risk of colon cancer.
When Should I Get Screened for Colon Cancer?
As mentioned, many major health organizations have lowered the recommended age for initial colon cancer screenings. The USPSTF, for instance, recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer.
"This change was prompted by a consistent annual increase of 2 percent in colorectal cancer cases among adults aged 20 to 39 since the mid-1990s," Proverbs-Singh explains. "While the overall risk of dying from colorectal cancer has decreased, the risk for people under 55 has been on the rise."
For individuals at average risk, several screening options are available, including stool-based tests like the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which is done annually, or visual exams like a colonoscopy, done every 10 years. With colon cancer specifically, early detection matters.
"Early detection means everything when it comes to survival, because the quicker we catch the issue, the more efficiently we can take care of it," says Dr. Chris Scuderi, cancer survivor and expert in preventive care." Cancer can also progress quickly, so regular appointments with your family physician are key in staying on top of your health and can help you catch potential disease before it spirals into something more serious."
Note: these recommendations apply to those with an average risk of developing colorectal cancer. Individuals with a family history of colon cancer, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic syndromes may need to begin screening earlier and more frequently. Likewise, if a close family member had colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about when to start screening, which could be as early as 40 or younger.
"The recommended screening age is 45, but you may benefit from an earlier test if you have certain risk factors," Scuderi says. "It's helpful to think of your health as a retirement account—you want to get enough sleep and have a healthy diet as investments. Getting a cancer screening is like pulling your credit report and making sure there are no issues that could mess up the hard work you've done."