The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit WB series “Dawson’s Creek.” Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the age of 48, following a battle with colorectal cancer. His passing has not only prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues but has also brought renewed attention to the rising incidence of this disease among younger adults.
Van Der Beek first revealed his diagnosis of stage 3 colon cancer in November 2024, though he was initially diagnosed in August 2023 after undergoing a colonoscopy. Throughout his treatment, he openly discussed his experience, advocating for earlier screenings and encouraging people to pay attention to even subtle changes in their health. He had noted that prior to his diagnosis, he was unaware that the recommended screening age had dropped to 45, believing it remained at 50.
His death underscores a disturbing trend highlighted by medical experts: colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting individuals under the age of 50. The American Cancer Society recently published data indicating that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death among men and women in that age group – a significant shift from the 1990s, when it ranked as the fifth deadliest cancer for this demographic.
While overall cancer deaths have declined for those under 50 since 1990, falling by approximately 44%, colorectal cancer is the only major cancer experiencing a rise in mortality within this age bracket. The organization projects roughly 100,000 new cases of colon cancer and 50,000 cases of rectal cancer will be diagnosed this year.
Dr. Shruti Patel, a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Stanford Cancer Institute, described the pattern as “very concerning.” She noted that individuals born in the 1990s are four times more likely to be diagnosed with rectal cancer than those born in the 1950s. This surge in cases is prompting researchers to investigate potential contributing factors beyond traditional risk factors.
While lifestyle factors such as a lack of physical activity and a diet high in processed foods are known to increase risk, Dr. Patel has observed that many of her younger patients are otherwise healthy, maintaining good diets and exercise routines. This has led to speculation about the role of factors like changes in the gut microbiome, exposure to microplastics, and environmental influences.
“We’re not entirely sure, in part because there hasn’t been enough awareness about this epidemic and because studying complex biological and environmental changes is difficult,” Dr. Patel explained.
Recognizing the symptoms of colorectal cancer is crucial for early detection. Individuals should be aware of changes in bowel habits – including frequency and consistency – rectal bleeding, unexplained anemia, abdominal pain, and unintentional weight loss. Dr. Patel emphasizes the importance of knowing what is “normal” for one’s own body and paying attention to any deviations from that baseline. She noted that rectal bleeding is often dismissed as hemorrhoids, delaying crucial medical attention.
Beyond lifestyle choices, other risk factors include a family history of colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, smoking, a low-fiber diet, and excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Patel stresses that family history is a particularly underestimated risk factor.
Van Der Beek’s openness about his diagnosis and his advocacy for early screening serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive healthcare. His passing is a stark illustration of the growing need for increased awareness, research, and preventative measures to combat this rising health crisis affecting younger generations. The actor’s legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances, now encompassing a vital message about health and early detection that may save lives.
