Actor’s Death Highlights Rising Colorectal Cancer Rates Among Young Americans

The death of actor James Van Der Beek after a two-and-a-half-year battle with colon cancer has medical experts sounding the alarm about the disease’s increasing prevalence among younger adults.

The “Dawson’s Creek” star announced his stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis in November 2024, although he was officially diagnosed in August 2023 following a colonoscopy. In an interview with Healthline published shortly before his death, Van Der Beek revealed that his first warning sign was a change in bowel movements—a symptom he initially dismissed as an effect of drinking coffee.

“Before my diagnosis, I didn’t know much about colorectal cancer,” the actor said. “I didn’t even realize the screening age had dropped to 45; I thought it was still 50.”

Alarming Trends in Young Adult Cases

Recent research paints a concerning picture of colorectal cancer’s increasing impact on younger populations. According to data published by the American Cancer Society in January, colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women aged 50 and younger—a dramatic shift from the 1990s when it ranked as the fifth deadliest cancer for this age group.

While overall cancer mortality has declined by approximately 44% for Americans under 50 since 1990, colorectal cancer stands out as the only major cancer that has seen an increase in death rates during this period.

Dr. Aparna Parikh, medical director of the Center for Young Adult Colorectal Cancer at the Mass General Cancer Center, notes that researchers don’t fully understand the causes behind this troubling trend.

“It seems to be an interplay of a person’s risk factors, overall makeup and early exposures,” she explained. “The exposures include dietary exposures, environmental exposures and possible antibiotic exposures, as well as lifestyle factors in the right host.”

Key Risk Factors Identified

A separate American Cancer Society study found that heavy, consistent alcohol consumption throughout adulthood could significantly increase colorectal cancer risk. Other primary risk factors include family history, obesity, smoking, inflammatory bowel disease, and diets high in red and processed meats.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel highlighted the dietary connection, citing recent research from Massachusetts General Hospital. “There is a genetic issue, but there’s also ultraprocessed foods—a new study shows a high diet in that… [you’re] 45% more likely to have colon cancer,” he said.

According to Siegel, diets higher in processed meats like hot dogs increase risk by 30%, while diets higher in red meat raise risk by 20%. “These are the villains here,” he emphasized, “That, plus genetics.”

Recognizing Warning Signs

Medical experts stress that while early-stage colorectal cancer may produce no symptoms, certain warning signs should never be ignored.

Dr. Eitan Friedman, an oncologist and founder of The Suzanne Levy-Gertner Oncogenetics Unit at Israel’s Sheba Medical Center, confirms that changes in bowel habits are the primary red flag. Other potential symptoms include fatigue resulting from anemia, stomach pain, abdominal discomfort, rectal bleeding or blood in stool, weakness, and unexplained weight loss.

Dr. Erica Barnell, a physician-scientist at Washington University School of Medicine, notes that Van Der Beek’s experience of having no “glaring” signs is common. “Many colorectal cancers develop silently, without obvious symptoms,” she said. “By the time symptoms appear, the disease may already be advanced.”

Early Detection Saves Lives

Medical professionals unanimously agree that early detection through screening is crucial for prevention and successful treatment.

“Colonoscopy at age 45 onwards, at five- to 10-year intervals, has been shown to lead to early detection of polyps that have the potential to become malignant, and to allow for their removal as an effective means of minimizing the risk of malignant transformation,” Dr. Friedman explained.

Despite the clear benefits of screening, Dr. Barnell points out that “screening compliance in the U.S. remains below national targets, and gaps are widest in rural, low-income and minority communities.”

Experts hope that increased awareness following Van Der Beek’s death will encourage more Americans to discuss colorectal cancer screening with their healthcare providers.

“Most people don’t like talking about bowel habits, but paying attention to changes can save your life,” Dr. Barnell emphasized. “Screening gives us the chance to find problems early—often before you feel sick—and that can make all the difference.”