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James Van Der Beek Opens Up About Colorectal Cancer, U.S. Congressman Reveals Cancer Diagnosis and More
Key Takeaways
- Colorectal cancer rates are rising in individuals under 55, increasing by 1-2% annually since the mid-1990s.
- James Van Der Beek's diagnosis underscores that cancer can affect those in good health and younger ages.
From James Van Der Beek spreading awareness about colorectal cancer at a younger age to Gerry Connolly’s recent esophageal cancer diagnosis, here’s what’s happening in the cancer space this week.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, James Van Der Beek spoke up about his colorectal cancer diagnosis to help spread awareness.
James Van Der Beek announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis at age 47.
The “Dawson’s Creek” actor, James Van Der Beek, 47, recently opened up about his diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, the rates of colorectal cancer have been increasing in people younger than age 55 by 1% to 2% each year since the mid-1990s.
He told PEOPLE that he started noticing changes in his bowel movements in 2023 but assumed his diet and coffee caused these changes. Van Der Beek knew he needed to “get this checked out” and received a colonoscopy that revealed his cancer.
“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape,” he said in an interview with PEOPLE. “I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time.”
Van Der Beek explained that he has been actively working while he navigates his cancer care.
LEARN MORE: Meat Intake May Not Impact Risk of Disease Recurrence, Death in Colon Cancer
U.S. Representative Gerry Connolly revealed esophageal cancer after the election.
Democratic Representative Gerry Connolly of Virginia recently announced in a statement that he has esophageal cancer.
The longtime Virginia congressman was also recently reelected for his ninth term before sharing his news.
In the statement shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, he explained to his constituents that “I have cancer of the esophagus,” and that it was a “surprise because, except for some intermittent abdominal aches and pains, I had no symptoms.
Connolly stated that he will be receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
“Cancer can be tough. But so am I,” he said in the statement. “I will attack this the only way I know how — with Irish fight and humor.”
A TikTok star with cancer posted a goodbye video before she died.
Bella Bradford, a star on TikTok, uploaded a goodbye video on the social media platform before she died of a rare cancer at age 24.
She had previously opened up about the rare form of cancer in her jaw muscle, a diagnosis she received in 2021. Her diagnosis stemmed from what she originally thought to be a complication from her wisdom teeth.
During the time she underwent treatment, she made videos about fashion, skin care and days in her life.
“I have terminal cancer and unfortunately, by now, my life has come to an end, and I’ve passed away,” Bradford said in her video on TikTok. “But I wanted to do one final Get Ready With Me because I love doing these, and I love fashion. Thank you for following me on this fun journey, and yeah, I hope you will look back on all my videos and find a little bit of joy in your day if you ever needed to feel.
“Remember that you live every day and only die once, so everything helps.”
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