American actor James Van Der Beek, best known for playing the title character in teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died aged 48 after suffering from stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Van Der Beek announced he had cancer in November 2024, and he is survived by wife Kimberly and their six children.
A statement released by the family said: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time.
“Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Here’s what you need to know about bowel cancer, including symptoms and signs to watch out for.
What is bowel cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of bowel cancer which starts in either the colon or the rectum, both parts of the large intestine in the digestive system.
A new study has found that bowel cancer rates amongst young people are rising more sharply in the UK than in many other countries around the world.
While early onset bowel cancer among 25 to 49-year-olds is increasing globally, England is among the countries with the biggest rise, with a 3.6% increase every year on average according to the latest research published in the journal Lancet Oncology.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with 42,000 new bowel cancer diagnoses made each year, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths according to Bowel Cancer UK.
Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research, policy, and influencing at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Most bowel cancers develop from pre-cancerous growths, called polyps. But not all polyps develop into cancer.
“If your doctor finds any polyps, they can remove them to prevent them becoming cancerous.”
What are the red flags which could signal bowel cancer?
James Kinross, Colorectal Surgeon at independent charitable hospital King Edward VII’s Hospital, has shared six symptoms which may signal bowel cancer.
A change in pooing habits
Any significant change in your pooing habits could be a potential indicator of bowel cancer.
Having to go more often than usual, or having looser, runnier stools could be warning signs.
These changes often relate to external factors such as stress or a change in diet, but if the problem persists, it’s worth getting yourself checked.
Blood in your stool
Lindsay Easton, CEO of Bowel Research UK, said: “One of the most recognisable symptoms to look out for is blood in your poo or bleeding from your bottom.
If you notice blood in your stools and you don’t suffer from haemorrhoids, it may be a sign to supply your doctor with a stool sample.
Bright red blood most commonly comes from swollen blood vessels, but dark red or black blood in your poo may come from your bowel or stomach.
Bowel Cancer UK recommends keeping a diary of your symptoms which you can discuss with your GP - doctors are used to seeing people with a variety of bowel problems, so no need to be embarrassed.
Unexplained weight loss
Losing weight without changes in diet or exercise habits could be a sign of various underlying health issues, common in people with bowel cancer.
Dr Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice, said: “This may be because of reduced appetite, but not always, some people lose weight even when they are eating normally.
“This is called cachexia, and the body may not be absorbing all the protein, fat and carbohydrate from the food you eat. Cancer may release chemicals in the body that contribute to the loss of fat and muscle.”
Fatigue or weakness
Persistent fatigue or weakness that doesn't improve with rest could be a symptom of bowel cancer, especially accompanied by other symptoms.
Rai said: “Bowel cancer can cause anaemia, and the lack of healthy red cells causes fatigue.
“A simple blood test can detect this. Anaemia can be an early warning sign of bowel cancer and occurs when the tumour starts to bleed causing a reduction of red blood cells and a reduction in a protein called haemoglobin, which carries iron.”
Pain or lump
You may have a pain or lump in your stomach or back passage.
Though this would likely be benign, it may indicate a malignant growth, so you should always have any new lumps, or lumps which have increased in size, checked by your GP.
Abdominal pain
Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, or discomfort, particularly if accompanied by bloating, may be a sign of bowel cancer.
When should you see a GP about your symptoms?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, you should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and diagnosis.
Wilde said: “Not everyone will have all the symptoms of bowel cancer and sometimes symptoms may come and go.
“If you have any of the above symptoms, or if your pooing habits just don’t feel normal for you, our advice is to contact your GP straight away.”
Easton said: “The NHS advises people to call 111 if your poo is black or dark red or you have bloody diarrhoea, and to go to A&E or call 999 if you’re bleeding non-stop from your bottom and there’s a lot of blood.”
What causes bowel cancer, and how can I reduce my risk?
While we aren’t sure exactly what causes bowel cancer, there are certainly some things which can make it more likely.
Smoking, drinking too much alcohol, being overweight or obese, or having a diet with lots of red or processed meat, could all contribute to a bowel cancer diagnosis.
Scientists say that more than half of bowel cancers could be prevented by people following a healthier lifestyle, exercising more, eating more fibre and less fat, and drinking six to eight glasses of water a day
Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, and doctors may also recommend regular colonoscopies particularly if you’re over 50 or have a family history of the disease.
