The passing of James Van Der Beek is a tragic reminder that bowel cancer can develop silently, often without obvious symptoms.
The Dawson’s Creek star, who died on Wednesday at the age of 48, spent his final years warning people about the symptom he almost missed – a subtle change in bowel habits that he initially thought could be simply due to his coffee.
Prior to his diagnosis, Van Der Beek was fit and healthy and had no reason to suspect he had cancer.
At just 46 years old, he took care of himself through diet and exercise and had no family history of the disease.
After noticing a change in his bowel movements, he blamed his morning coffee and cut the drink out of his diet.
But after his symptoms persisted, he visited his doctor, who arranged a colonoscopy.
Van Der Beek told People he wasn’t worried: ‘I felt really good coming out of anaesthesia, that I’d finally done it.
‘Then the gastroenterologist said, in his most pleasant bedside manner, that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.’
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek died aged 48 after a public battle with colorectal cancer. He is pictured during one of his final red carpet appearances on May 14, 2025
Van Der Beek starred alongside Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams in the beloved series Dawson’s Creek
Van Der Beek announced his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024 when he was 47 years old, putting him into the cancer category of early-onset, which covers diagnoses before the age of 50.
Insiders previously told the Daily Mail that Van Der Beek required near-constant doctor appointments and painful treatments that rendered him unable to work.
This week, a source said that the actor ‘had not been in treatment for a while because there was nothing more the doctors could do, the cancer was aggressive’.
Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, is surging in young people in Britain and many other countries.
Bowel cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, is found anywhere in the large bowel, which includes the colon and rectum.
Every year, around 44,000 people are diagnosed with the disease in the UK, which kills around 17,000 over the same time period.
The first signs are often persistent changes in bowel habits – such as diarrhoea and constipation – as well as blood in the stool, abdominal pain, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Obesity, lack of exercise and alcohol have all been shown, over time, to raise the risk of the disease.
The star’s family shared a heartbreaking post about his passing on Wednesday
Until recently, research suggested the chances of developing bowel cancer rise with age.
For this reason, the NHS screens those between 50 and 74 for bowel cancer. This involves a biannual at-home poo test, called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT).
It looks for hidden blood, a common indicator of bowel cancer or polyps – abnormal growths in the bowels at risk of becoming cancer.
If the test spots blood in the stool, patients are invited for a colonoscopy, a procedure which involves inserting a thin, flexible camera into the anus to inspect the bowels for any signs of cancer.
Despite the rising number of bowel cancer cases in young people, the NHS has no plans to lower the age at which it screens patients for the disease.
Under-50s are not offered a FIT or colonoscopy unless they have bowel cancer symptoms or rare genetic mutations that put them at a heightened risk of the disease.
But studies show a growing number of people under the age of 50 are developing the disease.
One of the most high-profile advocates for the disease was journalist and campaigner Dame Deborah James, also known as Bowel Babe.
Dame Deborah James was diagnosed with bowel cancer when she was 35. She died in 2022, aged 40
She passed away in June 2022 after a six-year battle with stage four bowel cancer, having been diagnosed at age 35 in 2016.
She raised more than £10million for cancer research through the Bowelbabe Fund, popularised the message to “check your poo” to encourage earlier diagnosis.
Experts say they are exploring several possible causes that could be behind this mysterious rise in early-age bowel cancer.
In 2023, a study found that female patients born by cesarean delivery were more likely to experience early-onset colorectal cancer.
Another leading theory is that increased consumption of ultra-processed foods – those made with artificial ingredients – could be driving this rise.
Studies suggest ultra-processed ingredients make up about 40 per cent of the British diet – one of the highest levels in Europe.
‘It’s already known that patients who have an unhealthy diet high in processed meats and sugary drinks are more likely to get bowel cancer,’ said Prof Sarah Berry, a nutritional science expert at King’s College London, who is leading a £20million study, called Prospect, hoping to solve the mystery of these rising numbers.
‘There is also some evidence that additives found in ultra-processed foods could inflame the bowel and raise the risk of cancer. We don’t know that for certain but it’s something that needs to be investigated.’
While some risk factors like genetics are out of a person’s control, lifestyle choices play a massive role in the prevention of bowel cancer.
According to Bowel Cancer UK, scientists believe around half (54 per cent) of all bowel cancers could be prevented by having a healthier lifestyle.
Experts point to low fibre intake as a possible reason why such a significant number of young Britons are developing bowel cancer.
Studies show the nutrient, which is found in root vegetables, seeds, nuts and wholegrain bread, is crucial for good bowel health.
Research shows that for each additional 10g of fibre per day people consume, they reduce their risk of bowel cancer by 10 per cent.
‘A high fibre intake really decreases your risk of bowel cancer,’ said Prof Berry.
‘It can protect the gut from damage caused by things like processed meat.’
Other lifestyle factors, like reducing the amount of red and processed meat in your diet, maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking, can reduce the risk of the disease.
If you notice you have any symptoms of bowel cancer, you should contact your GP and ask for an at-home test. Bowel cancer is more treatable when found early.
