What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, causing thousands of deaths each year.
The death of actor James van der Beek is shining the spotlight on one of the most common cancers in the world - colorectal cancer.
The 'Dawson's Creek' star passed away on Wednesday, February 11, after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. A statement from his family says he "met his final days with courage, faith and grace".
He leaves behind his wife of 15 years, Kimberly van der Beek, and their six children.
James, who has also starred in movies such as 'Varsity Blues and 'Taken in Broad Daylight', was diagnosed in August 2023.
He spoke publicly about the diagnosis for the first time in late 2024.
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is reportedly the third most common cancer in the world. It affects the colon and rectum, and could be called either one of the two, depending on where the cancer starts.
"Colon cancer and rectal cancer start the same way and share many risk factors and symptoms. The two are often referred to together as colorectal cancer," the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center states.
"Colorectal cancer usually starts as a polyp. Polyps are small overgrowths in the tissue lining the colon or rectum. Polyps are not cancer. Some polyps can turn into cancer over time."
Colorectal cancer signs
One of the earliest signs of colorectal cancer is a change in bowel habits, such as repeated diarrhoea and constipation. Other signs, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
- rectal bleed/blood in the stool
- Frequent abdominal discomfort (cramps, gas or pain)
- Constant fatigue or weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling like your bowel is not empty even after
Despite the signs, many people do not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages of the disease, which is why doctors recommend that men and women over 45 undergo regular colonoscopy screening.
However individuals regular screenings are also recommended for people under 40 who are considered high-risk. This includes people with a family history of colorectal cancer.
A 2023 study by the American Cancer Society (ACS) noted an alarming increase in younger adults being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
"We know rates are increasing in young people, but it's alarming to see how rapidly the whole patient population is shifting younger, despite shrinking numbers in the overall population," Rebecca Siegel, lead author of the report, said in a statement.
"The trend toward more advanced disease in people of all ages is also surprising and should motivate everyone 45 and older to get screened."
The report revealed that colorectal cancer diagnoses of people under 55 years of age doubled from 11% (1 in 10) in 1995 to 20% (1 in 5) in 2019.
Is colorectal cancer curable?
Early diagnosis is essential for colorectal cancer treatment, which is why colonoscopy screenings are important.
"Localised colon cancer—i.e., cancer that has not spread outside the bowel—is highly treatable through surgery, and outcomes are generally quite favourable," the MOFFITT Cancer Center states.
"However, at any stage of colon cancer, an individual’s prognosis and recovery will depend on many factors, including how well he or she responds to treatment."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
"In 2020, more than 1.9 million new cases of colorectal cancer and more than 930, 000 deaths due to colorectal cancer were estimated to have occurred worldwide."
WHO recommends a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, along with healthy lifestyle choices, to help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. This includes staying active, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking tobacco.
James van der Beek Cancer
Following his diagnosis, Van Der Beek made it his mission to raise awareness about the disease.
He went for a colonoscopy after experiencing a change in his bowel habits. The actor says he was in shock when the doctor told him he had cancer, but he remained optimistic.
“As soon as I heard the news, I thought, 'This is going to be the best thing that ever happened to me'. I had this little voice in my head that said, ‘You’re going to make changes in your life that you would never, ever make if you didn’t have this extreme of a diagnosis,” he told 'TODAY' in an interview.
Van Der Beek said he slowed down his lifestyle and started to scrutinise everything he put into his body.
"Really, the biggest change I'd say would be this journey of self-love. What I realised was, I'm still worthy of love - my own love, God's love. Before cancer, God was something I tried to fit into my life as much as possible. After cancer, I feel a connection to God."
Other celebrities who have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer include actor Chadwick Boseman. The 'Black Panther' star died from colon cancer in August 2020. He was 43.
TV personality Sharon Osbourne was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2002. She was 49 at the time.
"The only thing I had was, I was very tired," she told TalkTV in 2022. "It's not like I woke up one day and it got to stage three. It took time to get to stage three, and I felt nothing."
Disclaimer: Health-related information provided in this article is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat health problems. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor on any health-related issues.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image credit: Instagram/@vanderbeek