James Van Der Beek’s Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: Expert Explains Disease

Date:

Share post:


James Van Der Beek recently announced that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer — but what does the disease entail?

“Colorectal cancer is a cancer that arises in your colon or your rectum,” gastroenterologist Roshini Raj exclusively told Us Weekly on Monday, November 4. “So part of your large intestine.”

Here’s more need-to-know information.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Raj, who has not personally treated Van Der Beek, 47, shared that colorectal cancer can be present “without causing any symptoms” so it is crucial that everyone gets checked out and the best method is a colonoscopy. However, there are a few warning signs including blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or a change in the shape of your stool.

When to Get Tested

“It’s really important to get screened at the appropriate age,” Raj explained. “The recommendation now is to start screening at age 45, but you may need to be screened even earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps in the family or other genetic predispositions.”

While the type of cancer is rising in men, Raj explained that it is a common cancer for both sexes, and both men and women should be alert and screened. He also noted that there has been an “increase” in colorectal cancer for younger individuals.

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images

What’s the Treatment Regimen?

If a person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the first thing a doctor does is determine its stage. If caught early, it is “very treatable” per Raj. Determining the stage of the cancer happens when medical professionals analyze the size of the tumor or determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs. To treat the disease, surgery is often needed and can be followed with chemotherapy or radiation, depending on each case.

“The five year survival for stage one is over 95%,” Raj told Us. “Don’t be afraid to get that colonoscopy and potentially get the diagnosis. Because if caught early, you have a very good chance of getting the right treatment and surviving very well.”

Is it Preventable, and How Can People Lower Their Risk?

According to Raj — cofounder of the supplement brand YayDay — studies have shown that maintaining a high fiber diet could help people lower their risk of colorectal cancer. He encouraged people to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other fiber rich foods into their diet while also maintaining an active healthy lifestyle.

What James Van Der Beek Said About His Diagnosis

On Sunday, November 3, Van Der Beek revealed he was battling colorectal cancer. The Dawson’s Creek alum later shared that he was feeling optimistic about his health.

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” the actor wrote via his Instagram at the time. “I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

For more information on colorectal cancer, visit the American Cancer Society.

With reporting by Christina Garibaldi



Source link

Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden
Lisa Holden is a news writer for LinkDaddy News. She writes health, sport, tech, and more. Some of her favorite topics include the latest trends in fitness and wellness, the best ways to use technology to improve your life, and the latest developments in medical research.

Recent posts

Related articles

Bethenny Frankel Uses This $17 Bronzing Lotion Instead of Foundation for “Less Is More Makeup”

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a...

Jennifer Lopez's Rich Mom Saddle Bag Look is $20 on Amazon

From Jennifer Lawrence’s tassel bag to Jennifer Lopez’s latest saddle style, it’s clear that leather shoulder bags...

Bruce Springsteen Bonds With Jeremy Allen White on Biopic Set

Jeremy Allen White and Bruce Springsteen Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Jeremy Allen White got a visit from The...

Teddi Mellencamp Is 'Trying My Hardest' After Announcing Edwin Divorce

Teddi Mellencamp didn’t shy away from discussing her divorce on her first podcast since announcing her split...

Kate Middleton Is Back ‘At the Gym’ After Chemotherapy, 'Doing Very Well': Expert

Princess Kate Middleton is getting back into the swing of things after completing her course of chemotherapy. “From...

Will Smith Pays Tribute to Mentor, ‘Fresh Prince’ Producer Quincy Jones

Will Smith is remembering his longtime mentor and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air producer Quincy Jones. “Quincy Jones...

16 Timeless Fall Sweaters to Channel Meghan Markle's Posh Style

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a...

Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Dead at 64

Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson has died at 64. Tyka’s son, President Nelson, shared news of his mother’s death...