It often begins quietly—subtle changes that many dismiss as nothing.
For James Van Der Beek, it started with minor bowel irregularities that he initially ignored. Less than two months before his death at 48 from colorectal cancer, he shared a vital message: you don’t have to feel sick to have cancer. His story is a sobering reminder of the power of awareness and early screening.
A Hidden Threat
Van Der Beek, best known for Dawson’s Creek, revealed shortly before his passing that colorectal cancer can be symptomless. In interviews, he said, “You can have no symptoms and still have cancer,” highlighting the importance of screening for everyone, regardless of age or lifestyle.
Colorectal cancer is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. In 2020, nearly 930,000 people died from the disease. In the U.S., approximately 55,230 deaths are projected for 2026, making it the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women combined, according to the American Cancer Society. High-profile losses like Chadwick Boseman and Van Der Beek illustrate the human toll behind the statistics.
Early Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Van Der Beek was diagnosed at 46 with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He first noticed subtle bowel changes in summer 2023 but initially dismissed them. Only when symptoms persisted did he seek a colonoscopy—and the diagnosis shocked him.
Warning signs to watch for include:
Persistent stomach discomfort or cramps
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
Changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or altered consistency)
Feeling that the bowel isn’t fully emptied
Rectal bleeding or darker stools
Unusual abdominal pressure or persistent pain
Not every symptom indicates cancer—but lingering changes deserve professional evaluation. Early screening remains the most powerful tool for detection.
Treatment and Awareness
Treatment often begins with surgery to remove tumors, sometimes followed by chemotherapy or radiation. Decisions depend on disease stage, location, and overall health.
Van Der Beek’s final interviews emphasized prevention and early action: “You don’t need to feel something seriously wrong to get screened. You can have no symptoms and still have cancer.” Screening saves lives by catching disease early, giving people a chance to take action before it progresses.
A Final Message
James Van Der Beek passed peacefully on February 11, 2026. His family wrote:
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
In his final months, Van Der Beek focused on raising awareness about colorectal cancer and urging people to get screened. His story is a powerful reminder: subtle signs should never be ignored, and early action can save lives.
Conclusion
Colorectal cancer often progresses silently, but vigilance and regular screening make a difference. James Van Der Beek’s loss is tragic, yet his message endures: watch for early signs, consult your doctor, and prioritize preventive care. Sharing this knowledge may help someone detect the disease before it’s too late.