James Van Der Beek’s death follows rise of colon cancer in healthy 40-somethings

Next actor James Van Der BeekAfter his death after a two-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer, experts warn of the spread of the disease among young people.

The “Dawson’s Creek” star has announced his presence Stage 3 colon cancer He was diagnosed in November 2024, although he was officially diagnosed in August 2023 after having a colonoscopy.

In an August 2025 feature with Healthline, Van Der Beek revealed that the first warning sign of colon cancer was a change in bowel movements, which he attributed to the effect of drinking coffee.

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“Before I was diagnosed, I didn’t know much about colorectal cancer,” the actor said. “I didn’t even realize the age of the show [had] decreased to 45; I thought it was still 50.”

After actor James Van Der Beek died after a two-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer, experts warn of the spread of the disease among young people. (Ray Tamara/GC Images)

The risks are rising

Recent research has shown an alarming rise in cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) among younger individuals.

The American Cancer Society published evidence in January suggesting that colorectal cancer is now officially the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women ages 50 and younger.

A study found that colorectal cancer is now the deadliest type for a certain group of Americans

This is a significant increase from the 1990s, when it ranked fifth in terms of the number of victims.

While generally Cancer deaths The researchers noted that colorectal cancer has been on the decline for this age group since 1990, declining by about 44% combined, and is the only major cancer to see a significant rise in deaths among people under 50 during that time period.

Colorectal cancer has officially become the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women aged 50 or younger. (Istock)

Dr. Aparna Parikh, medical director of the Youth Colorectal Cancer Center at the General Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is not affiliated with ACS, shared that experts “don’t fully understand why” cases are rising.

“But it appears to be an interaction between a person’s risk factors, overall makeup and early exposure,” she previously told Fox News Digital. Exposures include Food exposures“Environmental exposure and potential exposure to antibiotics, as well as lifestyle factors in the appropriate host.”

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Another recent ACS study discovered that heavy and consistent drinking over the course of an adult’s life can lead to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Other underlying risk factors include family history, obesity, smoking, and diet High percentage of red and processed meatInflammatory bowel disease, and a personal or family history of polyps.

In an appearance Thursday on “US Newsroom,” Fox News Channel’s chief medical analyst, Dr. Mark Siegel, commented on the rise of colorectal cancer among younger individuals.

“There is a genetic problem, but there is also Ultra-processed foods – A new study from Mass General shows a diet high in that… [you’re] He said: 45% more likely to develop colon cancer.

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There’s also a 30% increase in risk with a diet high in processed meat, such as hot dogs, and a 20% increase with a diet high in red meat, according to Siegel.

“These are the bad guys here,” he said. “Which, In addition to genetics. I urge everyone to change the screening age to 45, or even lower if you have risk factors. That’s really the key.”

Recognize red flags

Although there may be no symptoms of CRC before diagnosis, especially in the early stages, some symptoms should not be overlooked, experts say.

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Dr. Eitan Friedman, an oncologist and founder of the Susan Levy-Gertner Genetic Oncology Unit at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, emphasized that changes in bowel habits are the primary red flag that should raise suspicion of colorectal cancer.

Abdominal discomfort and stomach pain, including cramps, bloating and gas, can be deceptive signs of colorectal cancer. (Istock)

Other symptoms include fatigue due to anemia, change in bowel movements, stomach pain or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, and unexplained weakness. Weight lossFriedman, who did not treat Van Der Beek, told Fox News Digital:

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Dr. Erica Parnell, MD, a physician-scientist at the University of Washington School of Medicine — and co-founder and chief medical director at Geneoscopy — noted that the actor’s experience of not having “glaring” signs is common.

“Many colorectal cancers develop silently, without obvious symptoms,” Parnell, who also did not treat Van Der Beek, told Fox News Digital. “By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already have reached an advanced stage.”

Family history and lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking can increase the risk of colorectal cancer. (Istock)

Experts say the key to beating colorectal cancer is early detection.

“Colonoscopy at ages 45 and older, at intervals of five to 10 years, has been shown to lead to early detection of benign tumors that have the potential to become malignant, and allows for their removal as an effective means of reducing the risk of becoming malignant,” Friedman said.

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Unfortunately, Parnell noted, “compliance with screening in the United States remains below national goals, and gaps are even wider in rural, low-income, and minority communities.”

“Most people don’t like to talk about Bowel habits“But paying attention to the changes could save your life,” the doctor said. “Screening gives us the opportunity to detect problems early – often before you feel sick – and this can make a big difference.”

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Siegel also pushed for colonoscopy as the best way to screen for colorectal cancer, especially if a polyp is detected and removed before it turns into cancer.

Fox News Digital’s Cristina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.