Five bowel cancer signs you should never ignore including the symptom that led to James Van Der Beek's diagnosis
When first announcing his bowel cancer diagnosis in 2024, James Van Der Beek lifted the lid on one symptom he'd initially overlooked.
Now, in light of the tragic passing of the Dawson's Creek actor, who was just 48, some medics are using their expertise to raise awareness of other symptoms of this particular cancer.
Van Der Beek first made his health problems public knowledge a year after his diagnosis. He added at the time that he'd initially kept a lid on his diagnosis, and had wanted to share it with PEOPLE for a bowel cancer awareness-raising campaign, but had his hand forced after another tabloid outlet caught wind of his condition and threatened to report it.
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The Varsity Blues actor confirmed at the same time that the disease had developed into stage three colorectal cancer.
In the months that followed, Van Der Beek worked tirelessly to raise awareness of cancer - including by discussing one symptom he'd brushed off in the early days.
Speaking to PEOPLE in November 2024, he revealed he began experiencing odd changes to his bowel habits the year prior.
Confessing he initially put this down to being an avid caffeine consumer, he explained: "I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee. Or maybe not put cream in the coffee. But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, 'All right, I better get this checked out'."
Despite his colonoscopy going well, having no family history of bowel cancer, and being in 'great shape' and 'eating healthy', Van Der Beek was dealt the heartbreaking blow.
"I felt really good coming out of anesthesia, that I’d finally done it," the Hollywood star continued. "Then the gastroenterologist said - in his most pleasant bedside manner - that it was cancer.
"I think I went into shock. I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape.
"I tried to eat healthy – or as far as I knew it at the time."
Following this week's heartbreaking news, a number of doctors are once again encouraging their patients to get clued up on the tell-tale indicators of bowel cancer.
Specifically, Dr Asiya Maula, who works as a general health practitioner at The Health Suite, believes there are five often-subtle symptoms we should all be aware of in a bid to catch the disease early.
If faced with any of these signs, she recommends it's always best to check in with your GP, just to be on the safe side.
If these symptoms present themselves in combination, however, Dr Maula emphasised that an urgent appointment might be key to an early bowel cancer diagnosis.
1) Change in bowel habits
As emphasised by Van Der Beek, this indicator often kicks in within the very early stages of cancer developing in this area, and could result in using the toilet either much less or much more than you're used to.
It could also include ongoing diarrhoea or constipation, or looser stools in general that suddenly make up the majority of bathroom breaks.
Dr Maula explained: "The key thing we look for is persistence. If your bowel habit changes and stays changed for several weeks, that’s a reason to get checked."
2) Never feeling you've fully emptied your bowels
Even if you are going No. 2 more frequently than you have before, if you constantly feel like there's still something left inside, it could be a clue that something is wrong.
"This sensation is often dismissed or not talked about," the medic continued, emphasising once again that persistence is key here.
"But if it’s new or persistent, it can be a sign that something in the lower bowel needs investigating.”
3) Blood in your stool
This could appear in a variety of ways - either bright red, dark maroon, or see your stools appear black.
It's important not to assume the bleeding has been caused by piles - something many patients claim to feel embarrassed about when chatting about it with their doctor.
"Blood in the stool should always be taken seriously, especially if it happens more than once," Dr Maula urged.
4) Ongoing stomach pain
Pain in the abdominals, bloating or cramps within this area are symptoms often associated with other health issues, like allergies, menstrual pain or digestive issues like IBS.
They're also another warning sign for bowel cancer, however, especially if it continues for a prolonged period of time.
"Pain that keeps coming back, worsens, or is linked to bowel changes shouldn’t be ignored or self-treated indefinitely," the GP advised.
5) Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Noticing you're suddenly feeling wiped out energy-wise, or suffering from shortness of breath, are both symptoms that, again, could be linked to all sorts of health issues, the most common being anaemia.
When paired with losing considerable weight without intending to, however, it could be a major red flag.
Dr Maula went on: "If you’re unusually exhausted or losing weight without trying, especially alongside bowel symptoms, it’s important to get medical advice."
According to a family statement shared online by Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, the father-of-six, who has four daughters and two sons, died 'peacefully', surrounded by his loved ones.
"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time.
"Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," the statement added.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: Celebrity, Cancer, Bowel cancer, US News, Health, Advice
Rhianna Benson