James Van Der Beek, best known for his roles in _Varsity Blues_ and _Dawson's Creek_, has died at age 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The actor, who was diagnosed in November 2024, passed away peacefully at home, according to his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek's Instagram post.

In the months before his death, Van Der Beek became an advocate for colorectal cancer awareness, particularly urging people in their 40s to get screened even if they appear healthy. He revealed that minor changes in bowel movements were the symptom he initially ignored, thinking they might be related to his coffee consumption. The National Cancer Institute reports that 60% of colorectal cancer diagnoses occur after the disease has already spread.

Van Der Beek's death highlights the growing concern about rising colorectal cancer rates among younger adults. The American Cancer Society now recommends regular screening starting at age 45, down from the previous recommendation of 50. The actor emphasized that while colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, it's also highly curable when detected early, with survival rates dramatically improving in early stages.