James Van Der Beek Opens Up About His Cancer Journey
James Van Der Beek is approaching life with gratitude after one of the most difficult chapters he has ever faced. The actor, best known for Dawson’s Creek, is speaking candidly about his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis and why he now believes it changed his life for the better.
In a deeply personal interview on Today that aired on December 19, the 48-year-old actor sat down with Craig Melvin to reflect on his diagnosis, the emotional shock that followed, and the profound lessons he continues to learn.
Despite the gravity of the news, James Van Der Beek revealed that his first instinct was unexpectedly hopeful.
“I went into shock,” Van Der Beek admitted. “But you know, one of the things I was really lucky about was when I heard the news, I was like, ‘This is gonna be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’”
A Diagnosis That Forced Life-Changing Reflection
James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023. While the words initially felt overwhelming, he explained that an inner voice helped him reframe the experience almost immediately.
“I had this little voice in my head that said, ‘You’re gonna make changes in your life that you would never, ever make if you didn’t have this extreme of a diagnosis, and it’s gonna add healthy, happy years to your life.’”
That mindset shaped everything that followed. According to the actor, cancer forced him to slow down for the first time in his adult life. It also made him reevaluate his relationship with food, rest, and his own body.
“I don’t think I knew what it was to slow down before. I don’t think I knew what it was to really look at everything I eat, everything I put in my body.”
For Van Der Beek, the diagnosis became a wake-up call rather than a stopping point.
James Van Der Beek’s Journey Toward Self-Love
One of the most meaningful changes, he said, has been learning self-compassion. The actor described his cancer journey as a turning point in how he sees himself.
“What I realized was is, I’m still worthy of love — my own love, God’s love.”
That realization marked a shift from pushing himself relentlessly to allowing space for care, vulnerability, and healing. He also shared that the illness reshaped how he experiences everyday life.
“I think before cancer, I took all these little, beautiful moments as part of a collective. I was just aware of everything. And now I’m able, much more, to just settle into that exact moment. So presence is really the gift that cancer’s given me.”
Why it matters: Stories like Van Der Beek’s highlight how illness can transform priorities, encouraging conversations around mental health, self-worth, and resilience.
Family Support That Made Survival Possible
Throughout the interview, James Van Der Beek repeatedly credited his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, as the reason he is still alive today. The couple shares six children together.
“I would not be alive if it weren’t for my wife,” he said.
He described Kimberly stepping into multiple roles during his treatment.
“She just has stepped up as a caretaker, as a nurse, as head of the household.”
While he initially wanted to shield his children from fear or pain, Van Der Beek came to understand that allowing them to witness resilience was important.
“As much as I want to shield them from seeing me in any kind of pain or stress, I wanted to be Superman, Super Dad. You realize that resilience is not only something that they have and can build, but it’s the best thing for them.”
Living With Cancer as a “Full-Time Job”
This was not Van Der Beek’s first time opening up publicly about his health. During a previous appearance on Today in July, he described cancer as a long-term commitment rather than a short battle.
“It’s a process,” he said at the time. “It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”
He also shared that he was feeling strong and focused on rest and recovery.
“I’m feeling great,” he added, saying he was appreciating “the beauty of just taking things a little bit more slowly and prioritizing rest and really allowing that to be the job.”
During the December interview, he offered another hopeful update, telling Melvin that he has been feeling “better every month.”
Key Takeaways From James Van Der Beek’s Cancer Story
- Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023
- Credits his wife Kimberly for saving his life
- Says cancer taught him presence, self-love, and gratitude
- Continues to improve and feels stronger each month
A Reminder We Can All Learn From
James Van Der Beek’s story is a powerful reminder that health is something none of us should take for granted. Life moves fast, and many people only slow down when they are forced to. His experience shows how important it is to listen to your body, prioritize rest, and take small daily steps toward well-being.
While no product replaces medical care, everyday health habits and tools can support a more mindful lifestyle when used responsibly.
Helpful Health & Wellness Finds
Many readers look for simple ways to stay proactive about their health. These popular wellness essentials may help support daily routines:
- Multivitamins for Adults – Designed to help fill everyday nutritional gaps and support overall wellness as part of a balanced routine.
- Vitamin D3 Supplements – Commonly used to support bone health and immune function, especially for people with limited sun exposure
- Fitness Trackers – Help monitor daily activity, movement, and sleep patterns to support an active and balanced lifestyle.
- Melatonin – Commonly used as part of a nighttime routine to support sleep and relaxation.
- Ergonomic Pillows – Designed to support proper neck and spinal alignment, helping improve comfort during sleep and rest.
Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice or diagnosis.
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