James Van Der Beek’s death highlights alarming rise in colon cancer in younger adults
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Following the death of actor James Van Der Beek after a two-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer, experts warn about the prevalence of the disease among younger people.
The “Dawson’s Creek” star announced his diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer in November 2024, although he was officially diagnosed in August 2023 after a colonoscopy.
In an August 2025 article with Healthline, Van Der Beek revealed that the first warning sign of colon cancer was a change in bowel movements, which he attributed to the effect of drinking coffee.
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“Before my diagnosis, I didn’t know much about colorectal cancer,” the actor said. “I didn’t even realize the age of detection [had] dropped to 45; I thought there were still 50.”
Following the death of actor James Van Der Beek after a two-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer, experts warn about the prevalence of the disease among younger people. (Ray Tamarra/GC Images)
Increasing risk
Recent research has shown an alarming increase in cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) among younger people.
The American Cancer Society released evidence in January that colorectal cancer is now officially the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women ages 50 and younger.
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This is a significant increase from the 1990s, when it was the fifth deadliest.
While overall cancer deaths have declined in this age group since 1990, falling about 44 percent overall, CRC is the only major cancer that has seen an increase in mortality among those under age 50 during that period, the researchers noted.
Colorectal cancer is now officially the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women ages 50 and younger. (iStock)
Dr. Aparna Parikh, medical director of the Young Adult Colorectal Cancer Center at Mass General Cancer Center, which is not affiliated with the ACS, shared that experts don’t “fully understand why” cases are increasing.
“But it appears to be an interaction of a person’s risk factors, their overall makeup and their early exposures,” he previously told News Digital. “Exposures include dietary exposures, environmental exposures, and potential antibiotic exposures, as well as lifestyle factors in the appropriate host.”
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Another recent ACS study found that heavy, consistent drinking throughout an adult’s life could lead to an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
Other major risk factors include family history, obesity, smoking, a diet high in red and processed meats, inflammatory bowel disease, and a personal or family history of polyps.
In an appearance Thursday on “America’s Newsroom,” News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel commented on the rise of CRC among younger people.
“There is a genetic problem, but there are also ultra-processed foods: a new study from Mass General shows a diet rich in that… [you’re] 45% more likely to have colon cancer,” he said.
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There is also a 30% increase in risk with a diet high in processed meats, such as hot dogs, and a 20% increase with diets high in red meat, according to Siegel.
“These are the villains here,” he said. “That’s in addition to genetics. And I urge everyone to change the age for screening to 45, or even younger if you have risk factors. That’s really key.”
Recognize warning signs
While there may be no symptoms of CRC before diagnosis, especially in the early stages, certain symptoms should not be overlooked, experts say.
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Dr. Eitan Friedman, Ph.D., oncologist and founder of the Suzanne Levy-Gertner Oncogenetics Unit at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, confirmed that changes in bowel habits are the main warning sign that should raise suspicion of colorectal cancer.
Abdominal discomfort and stomach pain, including cramps, bloating, and gas, can be sneaky signs of colorectal cancer. (iStock)
Other symptoms include fatigue as a result of anemia, changes in bowel movements, stomach pain or abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, weakness and unexplained weight loss, Friedman, who did not treat Van Der Beek, told News Digital.
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Dr. Erica Barnell, Ph.D., a physician-scientist at the University of Washington School of Medicine and co-founder and medical director of Genecopy, noted that the actor’s experience of not having “clear” signs is common.
“Many colorectal cancers develop silently, without obvious symptoms,” Barnell, who also did not treat Van Der Beek, told News Digital. “When symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.”
Family history and lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking, can increase the risk of CRC. (iStock)
The key to overcoming colorectal cancer is early detection, according to experts.
“Colonoscopy starting at age 45, at intervals of five to 10 years, has been shown to lead to early detection of polyps that have the potential to become malignant, and allows their removal as an effective means of minimizing the risk of malignant transformation,” Friedman said.
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Unfortunately, Barnell noted, “U.S. screening compliance remains below national goals, and gaps are widest in rural, low-income, and minority communities.”
“Most people don’t like to talk about bowel habits, but paying attention to changes can save your life,” the doctor said. “Screening gives us the opportunity to find problems early, often before you feel sick, and that can make a difference.”
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Siegel also promoted colonoscopies as the best method for detecting CRC, especially if a polyp is detected and removed before it turns into cancer.
News Digital’s Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.