Mr. Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery in the ’90s drama, told People Magazine that he was being treated for colorectal cancer.

On Sunday, November 3, People reported that the Dawson's Creek star has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer — a cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. Van Der Beek, 47, told the outlet he is taking action to get well,

The actor says he has been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, but adds that there was reason for "optimism".