Mr. Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery in the ’90s drama, told People Magazine that he was being treated for colorectal cancer.

On Sunday, November 3, People reported that the Dawson's Creek star has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer — a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Van Der Beek, 47, told the outlet he is taking action to get well,

James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The 47-year-old “Dawson’s Creek” alum publicly shared the news of his health battle on Sunday. “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it,