Time is of the essence when it comes to detecting this illness too, as finding bowel cancer early can drastically increase your chances of beating it.
Dawson’s Creek star Van Der Beek first announced he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024, after ‘privately dealing’ with the news.
“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he told People at the time. “But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape.
“I tried to eat healthy- or as far as I knew it at the time. 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’.”
The father-of-six had a colonoscopy to investigate his symptoms, which revealed that he had bowel cancer.
“I think I went into shock,” Van Der Beek added. “You think, ‘How do I fix this? Is this healing me? Is this hurting me? Is this working? Is it coming back?’ As someone who likes answers, not knowing is one of the hardest things.”
The Connecticut-born star explained he decided to share the details of his health battle with fans as he found it ‘cathartic’ and wanted to ‘raise awareness’.
Sadly, Van Der Beek’s family announced his death in a statement on Wednesday (11 February) which said: “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.”
Cancer Research UK say that over 17,000 people die from bowel cancer each year in the UK, while the American Cancer Society found that it is the leading cause of cancer death for men under 50, and the second for women.
According to colorectal surgeon James Kinross, there are six common symptoms of the disease which you should be aware of.
The medic, who works at independent charitable hospital King Edward VII’s Hospital, told the Mirror that you should check in with your GP if you tick some of these boxes.
Change in bowel habits
If you realise there’s been a significant change in your bowel habits – such as going more often, or having loose stools – you should raise this with your doctor.
It might be something and nothing, but getting it checked could save your life.
Blood in stools
If you see blood in your poo and don’t suffer from piles (haemorrhoids), this could be the result of cancer in the bowel.
Cancer Research UK explains that usually, it ‘goes dark red or black’ and can make your excrement ‘look like tar’.
Pain in abdomen
If you keep experiencing pain, cramps or discomfort in your abdomen for no apparent reason, it might warrant further investigation.
This is a symptom of a host of common conditions, but if you’re also experiencing bloating on a regular basis, it’s best to get it checked out.
Unexplained weight loss
If your clothes are suddenly far too big and baggy on you, bowel cancer might be to blame.
If you suddenly lose a lot of weight but haven’t changed your diet or exercise regime, book an appointment with your GP.
Lumps
Coming across an unusual lump in your stomach or rectum could be a symptom of bowel cancer.
Keep an eye on their size and make sure you report any accompanying pain to a health professional, too.
Extreme fatigue
Feeling tired and weak all of the time is another reason to book a doctor’s appointment.
It might be a signal that your body is battling against something you aren’t aware of just yet – so to be on the safe side, get the once over.