James Van Der Beek opens up about his cancer journey: “I’m feeling good”

James Van Der Beek speaks candidly about cancer, family, and self-worth

James Van Der Beek has spoken openly about the physical and emotional toll of his cancer diagnosis, offering an unfiltered look at how the experience has reshaped his life.

Since announcing in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the Dawson’s Creek alum has shared moments of fear, resilience, humor and hard-earned perspective as he continues treatment.

Van Der Beek recalled learning of his diagnosis after undergoing a colonoscopy following subtle health changes. Waking up from the procedure and hearing the words “It is cancer” left him in shock, but he said he never truly believed the diagnosis would define or end his life.

Instead, he viewed it as a profound turning point, one that forced him to reassess how he lived, worked and cared for himself.

He later confirmed that his cancer was stage 3, describing the experience as a demanding, all-consuming process filled with medical appointments, test results and insurance hurdles.

While he admitted there were moments of intense fear and emotional collapse, he said they were outweighed by periods of resolve and cautious optimism. “There’s reason for optimism,” he has said. “I’m feeling good.”

Throughout the ordeal, Van Der Beek has repeatedly emphasized the role his family played in carrying him through his hardest days. He credited his wife, Kimberly, with showing up in ways that left him in awe, calling her strength and love indispensable.

He also spoke about the emotional difficulty of watching his six children grapple with his illness, and the unexpected beauty of seeing their empathy and care deepen.

Rather than shielding his children from the truth, Van Der Beek chose honesty, explaining that kids can sense when something is wrong. He said openness created space for connection, compassion and even moments of levity during an otherwise frightening time.

While his physical health steadily improved, Van Der Beek acknowledged that the emotional impact of cancer lingered. He described the mental toll of having his plans abruptly dismantled and confronting his mortality sooner than expected. At times, he said, the experience stripped away the identities he once relied on, productivity, strength, usefulness, forcing him to confront deeper questions about self-worth.

In facing those questions, Van Der Beek said he found grounding in faith and meditation. He described realizing that his value was not tied to what he could provide or accomplish, but to his mere existence, a shift in thinking he said changed him permanently.

The actor has since become a vocal advocate for cancer screening and awareness, urging others not to ignore even minor health changes. He has emphasized that early detection can be lifesaving, particularly for people who feel healthy and assume they are not at risk.

Looking back, Van Der Beek has described cancer as an unexpected teacher. Though he would never wish the experience on anyone, he said it forced him to slow down, live more intentionally and practice self-compassion.

Above all, he said the journey taught him the value of presence, with himself and with those he loves.