James Van Der Beek Diagnosed With Colorectal Cancer: “There’s Reason for Optimism”

James Van Der Beekhas been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The 47-year-oldDawson’s Creekactor toldPeoplethis weekend he’s “been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

He added, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

Colorectal cancer is also referred to as colon or rectal cancer, and begins in the colon or rectum, per the American Cancer Society.

Known as the titular Dawson inDawson’s Creekfrom 1998 to 2003, Van Der Beek has also appeared onDon’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,CSI: CyberandPose. On the big screen, his film credits includeVarsity Blues, Texas Rangers, The Rules of Attraction, Formosa BetrayedandLabor Day.

Later this year, Van Der Beek willappear alongsideAnthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, NFL All-Pro Chris Jones, Tyler Posey andDancing With the Starsjudge Bruno Tonioli in Fox’sThe Real Full Monty, a two-hour special that will raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research. The event, based on a series of British TV specials, will end with the troupe performing a striptease act.

“Leading up to the final disrobing, the men will push their limits of comfortability, modesty and brotherhood with a series of rehearsals and experiences, both private and public, designed to build confidence and remove them far from their comfort zone and strengthen their bond as a group,” a Fox release reads. “Along the way, each of the celebrities will share their personal stories of how cancer has impacted their lives.”

Later Sunday, the actor posted an apology to those of his family and friends who heard about the news via the media and not from Van Der Beek himself.

“There’s no playbook for how [sic] announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon…to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms,” he wrote on Instagram. “But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news. I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

Updated Sunday, Nov. 3,5:16 p.m.:Added Van Der Beek’s Instagram post.