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Actor James Van Der Beek announced he's been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.
Van Der Beek, 47, best known for starring roles in the television series Dawson's Creek and the film Varsity Blues, said he's been battling the disease privately.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," Van Der Beek said.
“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.
Colorectal cancer "develops from polyps (growths) in your colon’s inner lining" and could "spread to other areas of your body" if untreated," according to Cleveland Clinic, which noted that tests, early treatment and new forms of treatment have resulted in less deaths. More than 90% of patients treated for early-stage colorectal cancer remained alive five years after their initial diagnosis, according to U.S. National Cancer Institute Data via the New York Post.
Van Der Beek gained notoriety for playing Dawson Leery, the titular character in the WB teen drama Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003 and played Jonathan Moxon, as well as later roles in the CBS series How I Met Your Mother, the Vice series What Would Diplo Do? and the ABC series Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.