James Van Der Beek has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
The “Dawson’s Creek” alum, 47, revealed his health diagnosis in a statement to People published Sunday, thanking his “incredible family” for their support.
“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,” the actor said.
“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.
Colorectal cancer can be referred to as either colon or rectal cancer depending on where the cancer starts, according to the American Cancer Society.
Both the colon and the rectum make up the large intestine in the digestive system.
Despite his cancer diagnosis, Van Der Beek has kept busy with his acting career, which includes a recent cameo on The CW series “Walker.”
He is also starring in the Tubi original film “Sidelined: The QB and Me” set to be released on Nov. 29.
As for his personal life, the actor has been sharing a plethora of family photos with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children — Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah — via social media in recent weeks.
Last week, the couple and their brood celebrated Halloween together, which James gushed about on Instagram Friday.
“I made all my own costumes growing up. Didn’t really have a choice. But I loved it. Should probably have been the first warning sign to my parents that I would end up an actor 
,” James began in his caption of their holiday photos.
He then revealed that his daughter Gwendolyn, 6, had to get creative with her angel costume this year.
“But in a SPIRIT HALLOWEEN world… my six year-old was devastated that her angel costume would not arrive in time for trick-or-treating. After acknowledging the tears, she was given the project of making her own halo, which she worked on for HOURS,” he continued.
“And the look of pride on her face upon seeing the final project in the mirror was, for me… my favorite moment of Halloween.”
