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‘Dawson’s Creek’ alum James Van Der Beek announces cancer diagnosis

▶ Watch Video: New report finds colorectal cancer rising among U.S. adults under 55

James Van Der Beek revealed he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The “Dawson’s Creek” alum shared the news on Sunday, telling People that despite the diagnosis, there is “reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”

“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,” Van Der Beek said in a statement.

The actor’s rep Whitney Tancred confirmed the diagnosis to CBS News.

The 47-year-old actor did not provide any other details about his diagnosis.

James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek arrives at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or the rectum. Symptoms include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, bloated stomach, unexplained weight loss, vomiting and fatigue.

Despite the diagnosis, Van Der Beek continues to work and will appear next in the upcoming Tubi movie “Sidelined: The QB and Me,” out Nov. 29.

The actor rose to fame playing Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2003. He is married to Kimberly Brook and they have six children.

On Friday, he shared photos on social media of him celebrating Halloween with his family.

Woman, baby die after vessel overturns in New York Harbor

A woman and a five-month-old baby died after a vessel overturned in New York Harbor on Saturday night, according to police.The NYPD said it was called to an overturned vessel near Liberty Island at 22:55 on Saturday. The authority deployed a harbor unit, as well as a scuba and aviation team to the scene, where 12 individuals had been rescued from the water prior to their arrival.However, the 27-year-old woman and a the five-month-old baby girl were located and transported to NYU Langone Hospital, where they were declared deceased on arrival, according to authorities. It was not immediately clear whether they are related.Police said it is still investigating the cause of the deadly incident.This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
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