James Van Der Beek’s Death at 48 Is a Wake-Up Call About Colorectal Cancer

Today we’re pressing pause on Black History Month.

We’ll resume tomorrow with quiet Black figures who deserve recognition.

But today, we need to talk about something else.

The C word.

James Van Der Beek has died at 48 after battling colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared the heartbreaking news. His brother has spoken publicly about the pain their family is experiencing.

He was 48.

And from what has been shared, he didn’t initially think this was something that could happen to him.

Because he was young.

How many of us have thought that?

“It’s Probably Nothing.”

That’s what so many people say when symptoms first show up.

Bowel changes?
“It’s the coffee.”

Stomach discomfort?
“It’s stress.”

Blood in the stool?
“Probably hemorrhoids.”

Here’s the problem: colorectal cancer often starts quietly. The symptoms can feel small. Dismissible. Easy to explain away.

Until they aren’t.

And by the time many younger adults get diagnosed, it’s already advanced.

Colorectal Cancer Is Rising in Younger Adults

For years, colon cancer was seen as something that affected older adults. That is no longer true.

More people under 50 are being diagnosed than ever before.

Read that again.

You are not too young.

Cancer does not check your age before it shows up.

I know this personally. Watching my brother face cancer changed the way I see everything. It stripped away the illusion that “it happens to other people.”

It can happen to anyone.

Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

If you take nothing else from this post, take this list seriously:

• Ongoing changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Narrow or ribbon-like stools
• Blood in or on your stool (bright red or dark)
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Feeling like your bowel doesn’t empty fully
• Unexplained fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss

If symptoms last more than two weeks, go to the doctor.

If you see blood, go to the doctor.

If something feels off, go to the doctor.

Please do not talk yourself out of it.

When Should You Be Screened?

Routine colorectal cancer screening now starts at age 45 for average-risk adults.

If you have a family history, you may need screening earlier.

And if you have symptoms at any age, you need evaluation — not reassurance, not guessing, not Google.

Advocate for yourself.

Let’s Talk About Colonoscopies

I know. Nobody wants to talk about this part.

But we need to.

A colonoscopy is the gold standard test for detecting colorectal cancer.

What It Is

A doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the inside of your colon.

Why It’s Done

• To detect precancerous polyps
• To remove polyps before they turn into cancer
• To identify bleeding or inflammation
• To diagnose colorectal cancer early

Here’s the powerful part: polyps can often be removed during the procedure — preventing cancer before it starts.

How It Works

The Prep:
You drink a solution that clears out your colon. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s temporary.

The Procedure:
You’re sedated. It usually takes 20–40 minutes.

Recovery:
Most people go home the same day and return to normal activity within 24 hours.

If everything is clear, you may not need another one for 10 years.

One day of inconvenience could save your life.

Why I’m Sharing This

Many of us first knew James from Dawson's Creek. He was part of our teenage years. He felt familiar.

But this isn’t just about a celebrity.

This is about awareness.

This is about not dismissing symptoms.
This is about not assuming you’re too young.
This is about not waiting.

Tomorrow we go back to honoring quiet Black history figures.

But today, I want you to hear me clearly:

Pay attention to your body.
Schedule the screening.
Make the appointment.
Ask the questions.

My goal is to keep us all healthy.

And if one person reads this and decides to get checked because of it, then this conversation was worth it.