The 48-year-old, diagnosed in November 2024, told Healthline there was “no red flag or something glaring.”
James van der Beek, best known for “Dawson’s Creek,” has revealed the first subtle symptom of his stage 3 colorectal cancer — a change in bowel movements he attributed to coffee.
The 48-year-old, diagnosed in November 2024, told Healthline there was “no red flag or something glaring.”
“I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea,” he said.
Oncologist Prof. Eitan Friedman, who has not treated van der Beek, said changes in bowel habits are a primary warning sign of colorectal cancer, along with fatigue, blood in stool, weight loss, and abdominal discomfort. Dr. Erica Barnell, also not involved in his care, noted many cases develop “silently” until advanced.
Experts urge screenings from age 45, especially for those with a family history or inflammatory bowel disease. “Most people don’t like talking about bowel habits, but paying attention to changes can save your life,” Barnell said.