{"id":287558,"date":"2026-02-12T13:04:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T13:04:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/287558\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T13:04:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T13:04:12","slug":"james-van-der-beek-said-there-wasnt-a-red-flag-of-his-colorectal-cancer-symptoms-he-noticed-a-small-change-experts-say-you-shouldnt-ignore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/287558\/","title":{"rendered":"James Van Der Beek said there wasn’t a ‘red flag’ of his colorectal cancer symptoms \u2014 he noticed a small change experts say you shouldn’t ignore"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to cancer<\/a>, some may think the disease is only a serious health risk for seniors \u2014 but that’s not necessarily the case. Colorectal cancer cases are skyrocketing in young people<\/a>, and it’s currently among the most commonly diagnosed types of cancer in Canada.<\/p>\n

In 2025, it’s estimated that 26,400 Canadians were diagnosed with colorectal cancer<\/a>. This makes up around 10 per cent of all new cancer cases seen last year, landing it in the fourth spot<\/a> for the most common types of cancers across the country. Plus, it’s estimated around 25 people will die from colorectal cancer each day in Canada.<\/p>\n

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.<\/p>\n

On Wednesday, “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek passed away at 48, just over a year after announcing<\/a> his colorectal cancer diagnosis. Earlier this week, Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara<\/a> made headlines after her death at 71, as it was announced the Schitt’s Creek star was privately facing a case of rectal cancer. Other celebrities have also died due to colorectal cancer \u2014 including Chadwick Boseman, who passed away at 43 in 2020.<\/p>\n

In an interview with Healthline after his diagnosis, Van Der Beek said<\/a> there wasn’t a “red flag or something glaring,” when it came to his symptoms. He also told People<\/a> that he attributed a “small” change in his bowel movements to drinking too much coffee, or too much cream in his coffee.<\/p>\n

“But when I cut that out, and it didn\u2019t improve, I thought, \u2018All right, I better get this checked out,” he said.<\/p>\n

As cases continue to rise in younger adults, advocates in Canada are calling on health authorities to lower the colorectal cancer screening age<\/a> to 45. At the moment, Canadians generally have to wait until they’re 50<\/a> to start screenings every two years.<\/p>\n

Yahoo Canada previously spoke to Barry Stein, president and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada<\/a>, about how this disease can be preventable through lifestyle choices, awareness of symptoms and early screening. Colorectal cancer is far from an “old person’s disease<\/a>,” so keep reading to hear his insights.<\/p>\n

\"Barry<\/p>\n

Stein initially ignored his symptoms in 1995 until he was eventually diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. (Provided by Stein)<\/p>\n

In 1995, while juggling the demands of his legal career, Stein began noticing various concerning symptoms. Those included blood in his stool, migraines, abdominal pain and nausea, which he dismissed as related to stress.<\/p>\n

“I was turning 41 at the time and had no idea what cancer even was,” Stein recalled. “People didn’t say that word so much in 1995, let alone colorectal cancer. These were symptoms that came and went, so I ignored them.”<\/p>\n

It wasn’t until he finally had a fecal occult blood test and colonoscopies that the diagnosis hit: Stage four colorectal cancer, which had spread to his liver and lungs.<\/p>\n

Stein stressed a person’s health doesn’t have to get to this point, offering five suggestions Canadians should and shouldn’t do to help prevent colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n

1. Don’t ignore changes to your bowel habits<\/p>\n

Unexplained changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or fatigue should never be symptoms you ignore.<\/p>\n

These signs might also be linked to other gastrointestinal conditions<\/a>, including ulcers, Crohn’s disease or hemorrhoids, according to the Colorectal Cancer Canada website. That means “just because you have these symptoms doesn’t mean you have colon cancer,” Stein added, saying still, “they are a reason to be checked out.”<\/p>\n

2. Don’t skip regular screenings<\/p>\n

Regular screenings are important because colorectal cancer often develops from precancerous polyps, or growths in the colon or rectum. Catching and removing these polyps early can prevent them from becoming cancerous.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Blood in your stool, persistent abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss are some major symptoms you should never ignore. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

(Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Starting at age 50, you should undergo routine fecal occult blood tests and colonoscopies. Even though everybody has the right to get screened starting at age 50, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer stated<\/a> the “screening participation rate across the country is still below the national target of 60 per cent.”<\/p>\n

Despite this, Colorectal Cancer Canada highlighted that the screening guidelines have effectively reduced cancer rates<\/a> in those over age 50, demonstrating their life-saving potential.<\/p>\n

However, there is a rise in cases among younger adults, particularly those with a family history of colorectal cancer, Stein noted. These individuals are often diagnosed at a later stage<\/a> because they are not getting screened and health-care professionals may not suspect cancer at a young age.<\/p>\n

If you’re under 50 and experiencing related symptoms, or have a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, you may need to start screening early. “Speak to your doctor about your personal testing plan,” the organization advised<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

If you’re under age 50 and experiencing symptoms or have a family history of colorectal cancer, you should speak to your health-care provider. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

(PonyWang via Getty Images)3. Avoid foods linked to colorectal cancer<\/p>\n

The Foods That Fight Cancer program<\/a> by Colorectal Cancer Canada has recommended eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These foods are high in fibre<\/a>, which helps keep the digestive system healthy and can lower the risk of colorectal cancer.<\/p>\n

In addition to these foods, the program advises limiting the intake of processed meats and red meat, which are associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. It also suggested reducing the amount of alcohol and sugary beverages you drink. Highly processed foods should also be minimized.<\/p>\n

By making these dietary changes, the risk of developing colorectal cancer can be minimized, Stein pointed out.<\/p>\n

4. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle<\/p>\n

Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, as physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. Stein highlighted, “Having a sedentary lifestyle, in other words, being a couch potato, is a risk factor.”<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Not getting enough physical activity is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

(Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Staying active not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. According to Colorectal Cancer Canada, regular physical activity can lower the risk by improving bowel function and reducing inflammation.<\/p>\n

5. Don’t ignore your family history<\/p>\n

Discuss your family history of colorectal cancer with a health-care provider so you understand the risk. If you have a first-degree relative \u2014 such as a parent, sibling or child \u2014 who’s had colorectal cancer, your risk is higher. Shared genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to this increased risk, according to Colorectal Cancer Canada.<\/p>\n

Moreover, genetic syndromes like Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) can elevate your risk further. People with Lynch syndrome are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, often at a younger age. Other inherited conditions, like familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), which causes numerous polyps in the colon and rectum, also heighten the risk.<\/p>\n

“Your age and genetic history of your family are risk factors that you can’t control,” Stein said, adding the goal is to focus on what can be controlled, like eating healthier foods and exercising.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Preventing colorectal cancer is much easier than treating the condition. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

(Twenty47studio via Getty Images)Prevention is ‘so much easier’ than treatment<\/p>\n

Prevention is often more straightforward than treatment, which can be invasive and challenging. As Stein stated, “it’s so much easier to prevent something (than to treat it).”<\/p>\n

“All you have to do is get a kit, poop in your toilet, send it to the lab with a little stick and you find out if it’s positive,” Stein explained.<\/p>\n

If it does turn out positive, you would then go for a colonoscopy so the polyp can be located.<\/p>\n

“If there is a polyp, they remove it and you catch the cancer early. Otherwise, you go through what I went through, which is quite challenging, to say the least. And at worst, people die.”<\/p>\n

By focusing on early screening and prevention, potential issues can be caught early before developing into cancer, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden of treatment.<\/p>\n

Let us know what you think by emailing us<\/a> or threading us @yahoocanada<\/a>. Follow us on TikTok<\/a>, WhatsApp<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n