James Van Der Beek Shares How His Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Changed His Perspective on Life

James Van Der Beek on ‘Today’.

NBC

NEED TO KNOW

• James Van Der Beek shared insights about his cancer journey during a Dec. 19 interview with *Today*.
• The actor referred to his 2023 colorectal cancer diagnosis as a “gift” while speaking with Craig Melvin.
• “I don’t think I knew what it was to slow down before,” Van Der Beek stated.

James Van Der Beek expressed gratitude through challenging times during an interview with Craig Melvin on *Today*, which aired on December 19. The 48-year-old actor reflected on his journey after his diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer earlier this year.

Describing his initial reaction, Van Der Beek admitted, “I went into shock. But you know, one of the things I was really lucky about was when I heard the news, I was like, ‘This is gonna be the best thing that’s ever happened to me.’” He added that an internal voice prompted him to embrace changes in his life that the diagnosis would inspire, contending that they would ultimately lead to “healthy, happy years” ahead.

Craig Melvin and James Van Der Beek for ‘Today’.

Craig Melvin/Instagram

Van Der Beek asserted that cancer has shifted his perspective. “I don’t think I knew what it was to slow down before. I don’t think I knew what it was to really look at everything I eat, everything I put in my body,” he reflected. One of the most significant transformations since his diagnosis has been a “journey of self-love.” He remarked, “What I realized was, I’m still worthy of love — my own love, God’s love.”

The actor conveyed that one of the unexpected benefits of his experience has been an enhanced appreciation for the present. “Before cancer, I took all these little, beautiful moments as part of a collective. I was just aware of everything. And now I’m able, much more, to just settle into that exact moment. So presence is really the gift that cancer’s given me,” he said.

Additionally, Van Der Beek highlighted the crucial support he has received from his wife, Kimberly. He stated, “I would not be alive if it weren’t for my wife.” He praised her dedication as a caretaker, adding, “She just has stepped up as a caretaker, as a nurse, as head of the household.”

James Van Der Beek on ‘Today’.

Craig Melvin/Instagram

Reflecting on his role as a father, Van Der Beek expressed the tension between wanting to shield his children from pain and teaching them resilience. “As much as I want to shield them from seeing me in any kind of pain or stress, I wanted to be Superman, Super Dad. You realize that resilience is not only something that they have and can build, but it’s the best thing for them,” he explained.

This is not Van Der Beek’s first appearance on *Today*; he previously described cancer as a “full-time job,” noting, “It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.” At that time, he said he was “feeling great” and learning to appreciate taking things slowly. During the recent interview, he updated that he feels “better every month.”