James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leary in the beloved television show ‘Dawson’s Creek’, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024. He sadly passed away on 11 February 2026, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and 6 children, aged between 4 and 15 years. His family released a statement saying that “he met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

James’ tragic death exemplifies that anyone can be affected by cancer, even if they are young, fit and otherwise healthy. Prior to his passing, James sought to use his platform to raise awareness as to symptoms of colorectal cancer and the importance of swift diagnosis and treatment. He referred to first noticing a change in his bowel movements and initially attributing to his diet, namely drinking too much coffee. A change in bowel movements however is one of the most common symptoms of colorectal cancer, in addition to rectal bleeding, abdominal pain and weight loss.

When the symptoms persisted, he reported them to his doctor and underwent investigations. He was then diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, which is cancer affecting the large bowel, that had spread to his lymph nodes.

The rates of colorectal cancer diagnoses in the young have risen at an alarming rate over recent years; colorectal or bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. 1 in 17 men and 1 in 20 women will be diagnosed with bowel cancer during their lifetime.

According to Cancer Research UK, there are an average of 44,100 new cases of bowel cancer each year, which amounts to around 120 new diagnoses every day. Of the new cases of bowel cancer, more than 2,600 are diagnosed in people under the age of 50 every year.

Bowel Cancer UK launched their ‘Never Too Young’ campaign in 2013, with the aim of leading the change for younger bowel cancer patients, raising awareness amongst the public and clinical community about bowel cancer in younger people, campaigning for the identification of those at high risk of developing the disease, providing information and support to this frequently overlooked group, and influencing policy changes to improve early diagnosis, treatment and care.

A recent study by Bowel Cancer UK noted that:

• Half of younger people surveyed didn’t know that they could develop the disease before their diagnosis.
• Four in ten people had to visit their GP three or more times before being referred for further tests.
• Nearly half of those diagnosed with bowel cancer after 2017 had not been offered testing for Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that can increase the lifetime risk of bowel cancer to up to 80%.

The passing of James is a stark reminder that cancer does not discriminate, affecting people irrespective of whether they are young or fit. The hope is that, with the loss of someone so publicly due to colorectal cancer, it will spur on change of the narrative of being too young for colorectal cancer as, with earlier recognition, people stand a much better chance of beating it. Bowel cancer is treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Nearly everyone survives bowel cancer if diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, this drops significantly as the disease develops as later diagnosis can allow spread of the disease elsewhere in the body. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Our team at Williamsons Solicitors have a wealth of experience in dealing with claims concerning bowel and colorectal cancer, including concerns regarding delay in diagnosis. To speak to our clinical negligence team, please call 01482 323697 or contact us via our online form.