Colorectal cancer isn’t just for older adults: A lesson from James Van Der Beek’s diagnosis

The death of beloved Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek from colorectal cancer has brought renewed attention to a troubling trend: more adults in their 40s are being diagnosed with a disease that was once considered exclusive to older people in their 60s and 70s.

Before his untimely passing on Feb. 11, 2026, Van Der Beek spread awareness about the importance of early screening. As a seemingly healthy and active 46-year-old who ate organically and did regular cold plunges, he never saw a diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer coming. In 2023, he noticed a slight change in his bowel movements, which he initially attributed to drinking too much coffee. Yet even after cutting back on the caffeine, he still felt like something was off. A routine screening later revealed his diagnosis.

According to Esther Cha, MD, a colorectal surgeon at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic Group’s Surgical Associates Langhorne, what Van Der Beek experienced is common among colorectal cancer patients. Many have minor symptoms that can be brushed off as something else, or none at all.

“He talked about not really having any symptoms, and that’s the scary part. You’re not going to have severe abdominal pain or bleeding or your stool becoming very thin,” says Dr. Cha. “It doesn’t have very obvious signs sometimes until it’s very late.”

Stage 3 colorectal cancer is when the tumor invades the nearby lymph nodes, with treatment typically involving surgery and chemotherapy. Prognosis heavily depends on how early it is diagnosed, which is why routine screening is so vital, especially among younger individuals.

According to the American Cancer Society, those under age 55 account for 1 in 5 colorectal cancer diagnoses (up from 1 in 10 in 1995). In response to these concerning statistics, the ACS and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force altered their colorectal cancer screening guidelines, lowering the recommended starting age from 50 to 45 for those at average risk.

If an individual’s first colonoscopy comes back normal, another isn’t needed for 10 years. However, if it shows polyps, which could be precancerous, a follow-up colonoscopy is scheduled within the next six months to a year, depending on the amount and size. For patients with a first-degree family history of colorectal cancer, meaning their parent or sibling was diagnosed, it’s recommended that they get screened every five years, even if the test shows nothing concerning.

“And if your family member was diagnosed much earlier, let’s say at age 40, then we suggest you get screened 10 years prior to that diagnosis age. If your father was diagnosed at 45, then you will be screened starting at 35,” says Dr. Cha.

According to the American Cancer Society, those under age 55 account for 1 in 5 colorectal cancer diagnoses (up from 1 in 10 in 1995). In response to these concerning statistics, the ACS and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force altered their colorectal cancer screening guidelines, lowering the recommended starting age from 50 to 45 for those at average risk.

For those who may feel nervous about their first colonoscopy, Dr. Cha stresses that one uncomfortable day of frequent bathroom visits is a small price to pay for a potentially lifesaving procedure. The day before screening, patients must stick to a liquid diet and take bowel prep to cleanse the gut. Unlike in decades past, there are now many flavors to choose from, with side effects like nausea and stomach cramps being rare.

“The next day, you’re asleep while the procedure is performed. It’s a painless procedure that’s done in 15 to 20 minutes and can save your life. People will usually wake up and resume their normal activities and normal diet. And if your colonoscopy was normal, you have a pass for 10 years, or five if there’s family history,” says Dr. Cha.

When colorectal cancer is found and requires surgery, advanced technology at St. Mary Medical Center is improving patient outcomes. The hospital offers robotic colectomy—a minimally invasive way to approach the colon or rectum that requires a smaller incision and less recovery time than the traditional laparotomy.

“You’re not depending on narcotics. You’re certainly not in the hospital for 10 to 14 days. You get back to your life much faster. And if you do need chemotherapy, we can start that much sooner than if you’re still lingering in the hospital for two-plus weeks,” says Dr. Cha.

As the world mourns the loss of Van Der Beek, his diagnosis and candidness around it may save lives.

“We don’t necessarily talk about colonoscopy at the dinner table. But perhaps it puts the topic on everyone’s mind that this disease has no boundaries,” says Dr. Cha. “It can affect both the old and young, famous or not, whether you’re eating healthy, organic, farm-raised food or not. It’s not just a disease of the old.”

Are you at risk? Take our online colorectal cancer risk assessment to find out.