James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with the third most common cancer in men and women

James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colon cancer.

The 47-year-old actor is known for his role as Dawson Leery in the 90s teen drama series Dawson's Creek.

He also portrayed a fictional version of himself in Don't trust the B**** in Apartment 23.

And he's also known for millennial cult classics like University Blues (1999) and The rules of attraction (2002).

Paramount / ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection, Lions Gate / ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection

James shared his diagnosis with People. “I have colon cancer,” he said. “I have grappled with this diagnosis privately and, with the support of my incredible family, have taken steps to resolve it.”

“There is reason for optimism and I feel good,” James told People.

James and his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek have six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Here is James and his family on Halloween:

Here's James on a family vacation to Egypt in June:

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum. “Depending on where they arise, these cancers may also be called colon cancer or rectal cancer. Colon cancer and rectal cancer are often grouped together because they share many common characteristics.”

James continued to work actively throughout his intestinal diagnosis. He appeared in an episode of CW Walker, Texas Ranger Reboot starring Jared Padalecki.

He is also expected to star in a Tubi original film based on Tay Marley's book Offside: The QB and I, starring Siena Agudong and Noah Beck.

Finally, James will be part of a two-hour special with other male celebrities (including Taye Diggs, Tyler Posey, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and Dancing with the stars Judge Bruno Tonioli) to raise awareness of testing and research on prostate, testicular and colon cancer The real Full Monty.

James and the other actors' involvement in the special aims to combat the stigma surrounding prostate, testicular and bowel cancer. As of 2021, the US Preventive Services Task Force has changed its recommended age for colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45, and even younger for those with a direct family history of cancer.

Look at James The real Full Monty on December 9th.