James Van Der Beek didn't experience many symptoms initially, but there was one that ultimately pushed him to get the life-changing colonoscopy. As we're sure you've seen, the Dawson's Creek actor sadly passed away on Wednesday morning after a battle with colorectal cancer. In a resurfaced interview with Healthline from August 2025, James opened up about getting his diagnosis and how "there wasn't any red flag or something glaring": "I was healthy. I was doing the cold plunge. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape, and I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea." What really opened his eyes, though? Related: James' Wife Shares GoFundMe As Family Now Faces 'An Uncertain Future' He explained it was a change in his bowel movements, which he originally believed was just due to drinking a lot of coffee. He also said he "didn't know" much of anything about colorectal cancer: "Before my diagnosis, I didn't know much about colorectal cancer. I didn't even realize the screening age [had] dropped to 45; I thought it was still 50." Sadly, following this, he'd get a colonoscopy that revealed he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. He publicly announced his diagnosis in 2024, saying at the time: "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." And now, in 2026, at the too-young age of 48, he passed away. So, so sad. Our heart continues to be with his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace. [Image via James Van Der Beek/Instagram] The post The Cancer Symptom That Compelled James Van Der Beek To Get A Colonoscopy appeared first on Perez Hilton.