James Van Der Beek's Private Battle with Colorectal Cancer

At 47 years old, James Van Der Beek, known for his role as Dawson in Dawson’s Creek, has been quietly fighting colorectal cancer. This type of cancer begins in the colon or rectum, as explained by the American Cancer Society. Despite his diagnosis, Beek is optimistic and has been supported by his family throughout his treatment. He has previously appeared in various shows like Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and CSI: Cyber, and films such as Varsity Blues and Texas Rangers. Later this year, Beek is set to participate in Fox’s The Real Full Monty, a special event aimed at raising awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research. The event will feature a unique striptease act performed by a group of celebrities, including Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, and Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli. The participants will share their personal stories about how cancer has touched their lives. With this event, Beek and the other celebrities hope to encourage more men to get tested and to destigmatize conversations about cancer. The event, based on a British TV series, will culminate in a performance that tests the limits of the participants' comfort zones, building their bond and confidence along the way.