Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role as Dawson Leery on the popular teen series Dawson's Creek (1998-2003), has revealed that he has been diagnosed with colon cancer.
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, the actor emphasized in an interview for People magazine that he has reasons to be optimistic and that he feels well.
Van Der Beek, who rose to fame for his role on the teen series Teen Anxieties, will appear on Fox's upcoming show The Real Full Monty, in which famous men strip to raise awareness and strengthen cancer research.
"I have been diagnosed with colon cancer and I am coping with this situation away from the public eye by taking the necessary measures, with the support of my family. I have reason to be optimistic and I feel good", said Van Der Beek.
The Connecticut actor continues to work in television and film, and most recently appeared in the series "Walker" (the reboot of the series "Walker, Texas Ranger") on the American network The CW.
In addition, he stars in the Tubi-produced film Sidelined: The QB And Me, which will be released on November 29.
