Subtle colorectal cancer signs to look out for as James van der Beek misses Dawson’s Creek reunion

James Van Der Beek was unable to attend the Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York after being sidelined by two stomach viruses during his ongoing fight with colorectal cancer, his team said. The 48-year-old actor later said he was gutted to miss the nostalgic night at the Richard Rodgers Theatre and thanked fans for their support.

Van Der Beek revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis last November, saying he was diagnosed with stage III disease in 2023 at age 46. He has described being in good overall health prior to the diagnosis and noted that the cancer was discovered after he noticed changes in his bowel habits and sought medical testing. The case highlights how colorectal cancer can affect younger adults, an emphasis that has grown as doctors observe rising incidence in people under 50.

Early signs of colorectal cancer can be subtle, and doctors stress the importance of paying attention to changes in digestion and bowel habits. Changes such as persistent constipation or diarrhea, a sense that the bowels never fully empty, and shifts in stool shape or consistency (including pencil-thin stools) can signal a tumor in the colon. Blood in the stool is another signal, though it can also be caused by less serious conditions such as hemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome. Bright red or dark-colored blood is a big flag to not ignore, physicians say, because internal bleeding can lead to anemia and fatigue. Persistent stomach pain that doesn’t go away, and is not explained by common issues, is another sign that warrants evaluation. Weight loss without trying, and accompanying fatigue, can also emerge in the weeks or months before a diagnosis.

The public discussion around Van Der Beek’s health comes as researchers note a troubling trend: colorectal cancer is increasingly diagnosed in younger adults. In 2019, around 20% of cases were diagnosed in people younger than 55, a share that was nearly double the rate from 1995. Younger patients are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages, complicating treatment and reducing survival odds. In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimated about 154,270 new colorectal cancer cases in the United States and about 52,900 deaths from the disease, underscoring the need for awareness and screening across age groups.

Health professionals urge that screening can save lives even before symptoms appear. Van Der Beek has spoken about the value of screening for those aged 45 or older or with a family history, noting that discussing screening options with a doctor can lead to early detection and better outcomes. He has used his platform to raise awareness about the surge in colorectal cancer among younger adults and the importance of recognizing subtle signs and seeking timely care.