James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

He first noticed subtle symptoms like changes in bowel movements back in summer 2023, initially blaming coffee, but a colonoscopy confirmed the diagnosis that August. Despite his healthy lifestyle—no family history, active routine—the news shocked him, yet he stayed optimistic with a 91% five-year survival rate for localized stage 3 cases.

Diagnosis Timeline

  • Summer 2023 : Symptoms appear; he cuts coffee but persists, prompting a checkup.
  • August 3, 2023 : Colonoscopy reveals stage 3 colorectal cancer right after anesthesia.
  • November 2024 : Public disclosure on Instagram after private treatment, aiming to raise awareness.
  • 2025 Updates : Shares self-love lessons, promotes screenings like the Shield blood test, addresses weight loss from a stomach virus (not cancer).

His Journey and Outlook

Van Der Beek balanced treatment—likely surgery, chemo, nutrition (details private)—with work, family, and advocacy, calling cancer a "gift" that reordered priorities. In late 2025 interviews, he felt "much better," praising his wife's support: "I wouldn't be alive without her." Tragically, he passed on February 11, 2026, after a battle marked by resilience.

Forums buzzed with support; Reddit threads highlighted early detection urgency, with users sharing scares and tips like trusting gut changes over 45.

"There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good." – James Van Der Beek, November 2024

TL;DR : Stage 3 colorectal cancer, diagnosed 2023, fought publicly until his passing this week. Screen early—changes in bowels aren't just diet.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.