Actor James Van Der Beek reveals he has cancer at 47

Actor James Van Der Beek, 47, is speaking out about his health for the first time.

The “Dawson’s Creek” star revealed he’s been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In an interview with People, Van Der Beek says he’s “been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he continued.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, colorectal cancer “develops from polyps (growths) in your colon’s inner lining.”

Van Der Beer is married to former producer Kimberly Van Der Beek. They have six young children together Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua and Jeremiah.

As People reports, despite the cancer diagnosis, Van Der Beek has continued to work as an actor.

His newest movie, “Sidelined: The QB and Me” is set to air on Tubi Nov. 29.

Seemingly inspired by his own diagnosis, Van Der Beek is also joining a long list of famous men to help raise awareness for various cancers, including prostate, testicular, and colorectal.

The two-hour special, titled “The Real Full Monty” will be produced by actor Anthony Anderson and is inspired by “the Oscar-nominated 1997 film ‘The Full Monty,’” People reported.

The group of men are expected to “strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.”

The special will air Dec. 9.

Van Der Beek hasn’t opened up about his diagnosis on social media. His last post celebrated Halloween and his 6-year-old daughter.

“I made all my own costumes growing up. Didn’t really have a choice. But I loved it,” he explained. “Should probably have been the first warning sign to my parents that I would end up an actor.”

“But in a SPIRIT HALLOWEEN world… my six year-old was devastated that her angel costume would not arrive in time for trick-or-treating. After acknowledging the tears, she was given the project of making her own halo, which she worked on for HOURS - wrapping yellow yarn around some garden wire. Focused in a way might not have believed possible. And the look of pride on her face upon seeing the final project in the mirror was, for me… my favorite moment of Halloween.”