James Van Der Beek shared one key symptom that everyone needs to watch out for before he tragically died at the age of just 48 from colorectal cancer.
Now, as tributes pour in to the late Dawson’s Creek star, the message seems more important than ever.
James Van Der Beek was a much-beloved Dawson’s Creek star
On February 11, it was announced that James Van Der Beek had died after a long struggle with colorectal cancer.
He passed away ‘peacefully’ following his two-and-a-half years living with the horrific disease.
Since then, tributes from the world of showbiz and beyond have been flooding in.
It’s clear that he was a much-loved character and will be greatly missed.
He was first diagnosed back in 2023 when a screening revealed a tumor that later developed into stage three colorectal cancer.
In a statement confirming his sad death, the 48-year-old’s family said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time.
“Those days will come.
“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
But, even in death, Van Der Beek left behind a message that can help people avoid similar diagnoses to his.
The star described symptoms of his condition
During his cancer treatment, the actor shared his journey and was candid and open about his symptoms, his treatment, and - ultimately - coming to terms with his death.
He raised awareness to the very end, even encouraging people to see their doctors about a bunch of symptoms - but one in particular.
In November 2024, Van Der Beek shared the one symptom that prompted him to get checked out.
It started when he experienced a change in his bowel habits, first putting it down to his coffee intake.
Speaking to PEOPLE, he said: “I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee. Or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out.’”
His diagnosis was shocking, as it came despite him having no history of the disease and being in ‘great shape’ as well as ‘eating healthy’.
Proof - if any were needed - that it can really happen to anyone.
Discussing the moment he found out, he said: "I felt really good coming out of anesthesia, that I’d finally done it, “Then the gastroenterologist said – in his most pleasant bedside manner – that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.
"I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy – or as far as I knew it at the time."
Here are a list of potential symptoms of bowel cancer - if you experience any of these, consult a doctor and get booked in for a test or screening.
* Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
* Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
* Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
* Bleeding from your bottom
* Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
* Tummy pain
* A lump in your tummy
* Bloating
* Losing weight without trying
* Feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer