James Van Der Beek says cancer has changed his life in unexpected ways—most of all by teaching him how to speak to himself with more kindness.
Nine months after publicly sharing his colorectal cancer diagnosis, the 48-year-old actor acknowledges the toll treatment has taken: he tires more easily and has days that are harder than others. Yet stepping away from the “beautiful chaos” of life with six kids, five dogs, and a bearded dragon gave him the quiet to hear how harshly he’d been talking to himself. That realization set off a deliberate practice of self-love that he now calls essential and simple.
Van Der Beek revealed in November that he was diagnosed in August 2023 after a colonoscopy detected cancer. He emphasizes that he had no symptoms and was in excellent cardiovascular shape, a point he hopes will push more people to get screened before warning signs appear. He has since partnered with Guardant Health to raise awareness about screening options, including the Shield blood test, which received FDA approval in 2024 to help detect colon cancer. He notes that colonoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, but any path to early detection can be life-saving—as he believes it was for him.
The diagnosis prompted a deep reexamination of identity and priorities. He describes stripping away roles and expectations to confront a simple truth: even alone in a room, thinner and in treatment, he is still worthy of love—from God, from others, and from himself. That clarity has rekindled his creative fire. After briefly considering stepping back from acting, he says cancer actually reminded him how much he loves telling stories. He recently appeared in Amazon’s Overcompensating and is set to join the upcoming Legally Blonde spin-off series, Elle. When the camera rolls, he adds, the focus of performance quiets everything else—even cancer.
At home, he and his wife, Kimberly Brook, have chosen honesty with their six children, ages 3 to 14. Each child processes his illness differently, but openness has led to small, powerful moments of connection—offers of tea, a hand with chores, a gentle check-in on how he’s feeling. “Kids pick up on everything,” he says, and candor gives them a way to show up.
Van Der Beek is grateful for the perspective cancer has given him, but he wishes fewer people had to learn these lessons the hard way. He’s urging anyone eligible to talk with their doctor and get screened—symptoms or not. “I would still give colorectal cancer zero stars,” he says, “but if sharing my experience spares someone else, I will.”
Additional context and commentary:
– Many people with early colorectal cancer feel completely well. That’s why screening exists: to catch disease before symptoms appear and when it’s most treatable. Van Der Beek’s experience underscores that health, fitness, and lack of symptoms don’t guarantee you’re in the clear.
– His message echoes a broader conversation about rising cancer diagnoses among younger adults. Awareness and routine screening are increasingly important, even for those who consider themselves low-risk.
– Psychologically, major illness often sharpens what matters. Van Der Beek’s shift toward self-compassion and creative purpose aligns with research linking self-kindness to better resilience during treatment and recovery.
Summary:
– Diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023; revealed publicly in November.
– Asymptomatic at diagnosis; detected via colonoscopy; believes early detection saved his life.
– Partnering with Guardant Health to promote screening, including the FDA-approved Shield blood test; colonoscopy remains the diagnostic gold standard.
– Embracing self-love and mindfulness; renewed passion for acting and writing.
– Recent and upcoming roles include Amazon’s Overcompensating and the Legally Blonde spin-off Elle.
– Choosing honesty with his six children, finding connection and support at home.
– Clear call to action: get screened and talk to your doctor, even without symptoms.