‘Dawson’s Creek’ alum James Van Der Beek announces battle with cancer

TEXAS — Actor James Van Der Beek took to Instagram on Sunday to announce his cancer diagnosis.

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

People Magazine reported that the “Dawson’s Creek” star is battling colorectal cancer.

Van Der Beek wanted to provide more details and talk further with People Magazine but had to alter his plans when he found out another tabloid was about to release the news, leading to the actor revealing his diagnosis on Instagram.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women in the United States will develop colorectal cancer in their lives.

The actor gained fame by portraying the main character, Dawson Leery, in the teen drama “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2003. He also made appearances on “Varsity Blues,” “The Rules of Attraction,” and “Texas Rangers.”