James Van Der Beek (“Dawson”) diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 47, what are the symptoms that should alert you?

The actor James Van Der Beek, notably known for his role in the series Dawson, revealed that he was suffering from colorectal cancer. We take stock of this disease which affects more than 47,000 people in France each year.

James Van Der Beek, known for playing the role of Dawson in the series of the same name at the end of the 1990s, suffered from cancer colorectal. “I have colorectal cancer. I dealt with this diagnosis privately and took steps to heal myself, with the support of my incredible family,” he announced to magazine People. In an Instagram post, the 47-year-old actor explained that he “coping with this situation privately, undergoing treatment and improving (his) general health with more attention than ever,” before specifying that it is “healthy and feeling strong”. Currently, his state of health does not prevent him from working.

As a reminder, this cancer develops in the lining of the large intestine. It affects the colon and rectum. THE colon cancers and rectum are therefore grouped under the name colorectal cancer. These latter “develop from cells that line the inner wall of the colon or rectum, mainly, by progressive transformation of a benign polyp”as explained on the Health Insurance website. In France, it is the third most common cancer in men (after prostate cancer and lung cancer) and the second in women (after breast cancer).

Colorectal cancer: what are the symptoms to look out for?

On its website, the National Cancer Institute (Inca) lists a series of symptoms which can lead to colorectal cancer. Also, the main clinical signs that may suggest this cancer are:

rectal bleeding ;
alternating between diarrhea and constipation;
abdominal pain;
the presence of a mass during abdominal palpation or during rectal examination;
anemia linked to blood loss of undetermined origin;
weight loss.

Also, Health Insurance specifies that “Other illnesses can cause the same symptoms”. Also, it is important to talk to your doctor about it during a consultation. InCA emphasizes that “the diagnosis is most often made at an advanced stage and therefore associated with poorer survival, compared to an early diagnosis. Net survival at 5 years estimated at 90% if detected at stage I, and 13% if detected at stage metastatic”.

How to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer?

Near Current Woman, Dr Anne Cattey-Javouhey, gastroenterologist and oncologist specializing in digestive cancers at the Léon Bérard Center, explained in a previous interview that “Environmental factors are much more important than genetic factors” in the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. And the specialist emphasizes the importance of fighting against excess weight and obesitylack of physical activity, junk food or even alcohol and tobacco.

Furthermore, in France, to promote early diagnosis, a campaign of colorectal cancer screening allows women and men aged 50 to 74 to be screened every two years. Of the screening kits are available from your doctor, pharmacist or can be ordered online.

Sources :

James Van Der Beek, 47, Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: ‘There’s Reason for Optimism, and I’m Feeling Good’ (Exclusive) – People – 03/11/2024
Colorectal cancers: from diagnosis to follow-up – National Cancer Institute (InCA) – 2023
Colon and rectal cancer: diagnosis after screening or in the presence of symptoms – Health Insurance

Journalist for the Health, Love, Children and Slimming sections, I joined the editorial team of Femme Actuelle in February 2023. I am keen to share with you the latest research in health, but also to collect advice from specialists to inform you about the different practices regarding physical activity and nutrition.