Dawson's Creek's James Van Der Beek diagnosed with cancer but says 'I'm feeling good'

Actor James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

is married to business consultant Kimberly Brook since 2010 and he is that father of their six children. On Sunday, he shared the shock news that he is fighting cancer and that he has been leaning on his family for support.

He said he has been "privately dealing" with the diagnosis and is taking precautionary steps to "resolve it". The actor - who made his screen debut in 1993 in an episode of Clarissa Explains It All - has shared his health news while also explaining he feels "optimistic" about beating the disease.

Speaking to the actor revealed: "I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family." Sharing his upbeat approach to his health, he added: “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."

Colorectal cancer is a term for bowel cancer - which can form and grow in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum. The disease is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, but can be detected through bowel cancer screening and, if caught early, is one of the easiest forms of cancer to treat.

The records are changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you, blood in your poo which could look red or black, a sensation of needing to poo even if you've just been to the toilet - and other symptoms including tummy pain, bloating and unexpected weight loss.

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