Lifestyle Health James Van Der Beek's Cancer Diagnosis The actor opens up to PEOPLE about finding out he has colorectal cancer — and what's next for him By Alex Apatoff Alex Apatoff Alex Apatoff is the Executive Editor of PEOPLE Digital. She has worked at the brand since 2010, first on the style and beauty team and now in a cross-departmental role. People Editorial Guidelines Published on November 11, 2024 12:44PM EST Comments James Van Der Beek revealed on Nov. 3 that he'd been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46, saying he had been undergoing treatment, "there is reason for optimism and I'm feeling good." He opened up further in an interview with PEOPLE, detailing what led him to undergo testing, how he reacted to the news and what he's changed in his lifestyle as a result of the diagnosis. Learn more about Van Der Beek's health journey, as well as what to know about this type of cancer and the increasing incidences of cancer in younger people, below. James Van Der Beek's Health Reveal James Van Der Beek Reveals the Moment He 'Went into Shock' Upon Learning of His Stage 3 Cancer Diagnosis (Exclusive) James Van Der Beek's Health Journey James Van Der Beek Explains Why He Thought He Needed to 'Stop Coffee' After Seeing First Cancer Warning Signs (Exclusive) James Van Der Beek, Who Shares 6 Kids with Wife Kimberly, Reveals He Got a Vasectomy Before Cancer Diagnosis (Exclusive) James Van Der Beek Says the Outpouring of Love He's Received amid Cancer Announcement 'Means the World' (Exclusive) James Van Der Beek's Diagnosis James Van Der Beek, 47, Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: 'There’s Reason for Optimism, and I’m Feeling Good' (Exclusive) James Van Der Beek Apologizes to Loved Ones Who Had to Learn of His Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis from Press: ‘No Playbook’ James Van Der Beek’s Wife Kimberly Shares Heartfelt Message After He Reveals Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis What to Know About Colorectal Cancer A Blood Test That Will Screen for Colorectal Cancer Could Be Approved in 2024, New Study Says Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Colorectal Cancer, According to New Study 2 Million People Will Be Diagnosed with Cancer This Year — the Most Ever — Due to Rising Cancer Rates in Those Under 50