James Van Der Beek, the beloved star of 'Dawson's Creek', has tragically passed away at the age of 48 following a public two-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His loved ones confirmed his death on Wednesday through an emotional Instagram post, requesting privacy as they grieve. Van Der Beek, who was 47 when he announced his diagnosis in November 2024, courageously faced his final days with faith and grace, leaving behind his wife and six children.

His journey with early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC), defined as a diagnosis before the age of 50, serves as a poignant reminder of the increasing prevalence of this disease in younger populations. Prior to his diagnosis, Van Der Beek, known for his fit and healthy lifestyle without a family history of cancer, noticed a subtle change in his bowel habits. He initially attributed this to his morning coffee, but as symptoms persisted, a colonoscopy revealed the shocking diagnosis of cancer. The actor's battle was intense, requiring near-constant doctor appointments and painful treatments, eventually rendering him unable to work. Sources indicated that he had not been in treatment for a while as the aggressive cancer had left doctors with no further options.

Colorectal cancer, which includes cancers of both the colon and rectum, is a growing concern among individuals under 50, with many experiencing subtle symptoms that are often dismissed or misdiagnosed. Dr. Ryan Moore, a colon and rectal surgeon, highlights that historically, symptoms in younger adults might have been attributed to more benign conditions, but there is now a lower threshold to investigate for CRC. Key symptoms to monitor include persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, narrower stools), rectal bleeding or blood in stool, abdominal pain and/or cramping, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.

Statistics underscore the alarming trend: the American Cancer Society (ACS) anticipates nearly 158,800 Americans will be diagnosed with CRC in 2026, with about 55,230 deaths. While overall CRC rates have declined for decades, this progress is confined to older adults. Between 2013 and 2022, CRC rates rose approximately three percent annually in people under 50, and death rates in those under 55 have increased about one percent per year since the mid-2000s. Dr. Amar Rewari, a radiation oncologist, noted this concerning rise, emphasizing that many younger patients are diagnosed at later stages because neither they nor their doctors initially suspect cancer. This shift has prompted the lowering of screening guidelines from age 50 to 45.

Numerous personal accounts reflect this challenge. Karina Ureña, 30, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer after dismissing nagging stomach pain and vomiting as 'just my period.' Marisa Peters, diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer at 39, had blood on her toilet paper, which doctors initially attributed to hemorrhoids. Tracey Robert, after two decades of misdiagnosis for what she thought was irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), was found to have stage 2B to 3A colorectal cancer despite being healthy and following a vegan diet.

The numbers highlight a critical urgency for early detection, as colon cancer is treatable when caught early. The average five-year survival rate for CRC is 65 percent, but this dramatically improves to 92 percent if the cancer is localized. It drops to 75 percent if it has spread to nearby organs or tissues, and a mere 16 percent if it has spread to distant areas of the body.

In the UK, bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers, with around 44,000 diagnoses and 17,000 deaths annually. The NHS currently screens individuals between 50 and 74 years old using a biannual at-home faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to detect hidden blood, followed by a colonoscopy if needed. Despite the rising incidence in young people, the NHS has no immediate plans to lower the screening age, meaning under-50s are typically not offered these tests unless they present with symptoms or have rare genetic predispositions. Prominent campaigners like journalist Dame Deborah James, known as 'Bowel Babe,' who was diagnosed at 35 and died at 40, have played a crucial role in raising awareness and encouraging people to 'check your poo' for earlier diagnosis.

Experts are actively exploring the mysterious causes behind this rise in early-age bowel cancer. Theories include a potential link to cesarean delivery, as a 2023 study found female patients born via C-section were more likely to experience early-onset CRC. Another leading hypothesis points to the increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, which comprise about 40 percent of the British diet and contain additives that could inflame the bowel, raising cancer risk, as investigated by Prof Sarah Berry's £20 million Prospect study.

While some risk factors like genetics are uncontrollable, lifestyle choices play a significant role in prevention. Bowel Cancer UK estimates that around 54 percent of all bowel cancers could be prevented through healthier living. Experts emphasize the importance of high fiber intake from foods like root vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grain bread, which can reduce CRC risk by 10 percent for every additional 10g consumed daily. Other preventive measures include reducing red and processed meat consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. If any symptoms of bowel cancer are noticed, immediate consultation with a GP for an at-home test is crucial, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.