James Van Der Beek reveals subtle early cancer symptom he dismissed before shock diagnosis.

James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, is opening up about the subtle cancer symptom that nearly went unnoticed — a change in his bowel movements.

The actor, now 48, first shared his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024 through a heartfelt Instagram post. His plan had been to share his story with People magazine on his own terms, but when he learned a tabloid was about to break the news, he decided to take control of the narrative.

James Van Der Beek announced in 2024 that he was battling cancer (JC Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)

“I was healthy. I was doing cold plunges, in great shape, and had stage 3 cancer without even knowing it,” Van Der Beek told Healthline. “There wasn’t a big red flag.”

The actor said there wasn’t a ‘red flag’ that alerted him to his cancer (JC Olivera/Variety via Getty Images)

While he didn’t experience obvious symptoms, there was one small change: his bowel movements. According to the American Cancer Society, other warning signs of colorectal cancer may include:

• Blood in your stool
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Cramping or abdominal pain
• Bleeding from the rectum

Life After the Diagnosis

Despite the shock, Van Der Beek has continued working. Earlier this year, he appeared on The Masked Singer and took part in The Real Full Monty, a TV special where celebrities strip on stage to raise awareness about men’s cancers.

“If we can do a strip tease in front of a live audience, hopefully that inspires people to go get checked,” he said in the show’s trailer.

Van Der Beek featured on The Masked Singer earlier this year (FOX via Getty Images)

As a father of six, Van Der Beek is using his platform to encourage people — especially those over 45 or with a family history — to prioritize regular screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers if caught early, but it remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S.

Why His Story Matters

Many people believe that cancer always announces itself with dramatic symptoms. Van Der Beek’s experience shows that’s not always the case. Sometimes, it’s the tiniest changes — ones you might dismiss — that could be your body’s warning sign.

If you notice persistent changes in your digestion, see your doctor. Screenings like colonoscopies can detect cancer early, sometimes before symptoms even appear.

For more information or confidential support, you can contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat, available 24/7.

Bottom line? If James Van Der Beek’s story teaches us anything, it’s this: listen to your body, even when it whispers. That small change you shrug off today could be the clue that saves your life tomorrow.