Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 04 Nov 2024
Dawson's Creek Star James Van Der Beek Diagnosed With Colon Cancer; Know How The Silent Cancer Escalates Quickly
Despite the diagnosis, the 47-year-old said there was “reason for optimism” and that he was “feeling good” as he announced in an interview
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek revealed he has been diagnosed with colon or colorectal cancer. Despite the diagnosis, the 47-year-old said there was “reason for optimism” and that he was “feeling good” as he announced in an interview. Der Beek made his name playing Dawson Leery in the US teen drama series from 1998-2003 and is due to appear in a US Fox special called The Real Full Monty.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
According to the American Cancer Society, bowel or colorectal cancer typically begins with small growths known as polyps in the colon or rectum. Colon and rectal cancer tend to be grouped because they share similar symptoms. Doctors say polyps are quite common - especially as you get older. Most polyps are benign, or noncancerous, however, some can change into cancer over time.
How does colon cancer affect you?
Doctors say your colon wall, made of layers of mucous membrane, tissue, and muscle gets affected first due to this cancer. Cancer cells affect the mucosa, which makes and releases mucous and other fluids, which begin to mutate or change creating a colon polyp. Over time, colon polyps become cancerous – in a period of around ten years.
If left undetected or untreated, the cancer works its way through a layer of tissue, muscle, and the outer layer of your colon. Colon cancer can also spread to other parts of your body via your lymph nodes or blood vessels.
According to experts, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in people in the US. CDC says men are slightly more likely to develop colon cancer than women. It typically affects people aged 50 years and older but over the decade, the number of people aged 20-49 years with colon cancer has increased by about 1.5 per cent each year. Medical researchers are not sure why this is happening.
Signs and symptoms of colon cancer
The initial symptoms of colon cancer are similar to symptoms of less serious conditions, a few of which include:
- Blood in your stool
- Persistent changes in your bowel habits
- Belly or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent vomiting and nausea
- Fatigue and breathlessness
What causes colon cancer?
Even though scientists are not sure why colon cancer happens, there are certain risk factors that increase people’s chances of developing precancerous polyps and colon cancer. Those risk factors include:
- Certain medical conditions, including inherited conditions, and lifestyle choices
- Genetic issues
- Smoking
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Obesity
- A diet which includes a lot of consumption of red meats
- Lack of physical activity
- Other medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease
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