James Van Der Beek was sure he was in the best of health, but then he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. After revealing his diagnosis earlier this week, the actor shared additional details about his medical journey in hopes of raising awareness about colorectal cancer.
“I’ve always associated cancer with age and unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. “I tried to eat healthy – or as far as I knew at the time,” van der Beek said recently people. He eliminated coffee from his diet last summer, believing there was a connection between its consumption and irregular bowel movements. When that didn’t work, he went to the hospital.
Van der Beek said: “Then the gastroenterologist – in his gentle bedside manner – said it was cancer.” “I think I was shocked… The hardest thing is that there are so many unknowns about cancer. You think, ‘How can I fix this?’ Does this cure me? Does this hurt me? Does this work? Does it come back?” As someone who loves answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things.
However, the actor feels “very cautiously optimistic,” adding: “I’m in a place of healing, and my energy levels are great. When I’m completely out of the woods for what seems like a responsible amount of time, I’ll come back and let you know.
Treatment for colorectal cancer varies depending on the stage of the cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Some need chemotherapy, while others can be treated through targeted therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or gastrointestinal therapy.
Van Der Beek has not shared any details about his treatment plan, choosing to maintain a sense of privacy as he deals with the condition. He previously stated that he wasn’t planning to announce his diagnosis on social media, but found his hand shaking when he learned that a tabloid was planning to publish the news. He wrote on Instagram: “I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dealing with my overall health with more focus than ever,” he wrote. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s just the beginning, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.
A source