James Van Der Beek Announces Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis: 'It's Been Quite The Initiation'

Dawson's Creek's James Van Der Beek has revealed he has cancer.

"I have colorectal cancer," Van Der Beek told People on Sunday. "I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family."

According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, which make up the large intestine (or large bowel).

Shortly after the official announcement, Van Der Beek took to Instagram to offer additional context: "There's no playbook for how announce these things, but I'd planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon... to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms." The actor said his plans changed Sunday morning after learning a tabloid would be running the news.

Van Der Beek revealed the announcement "has not occurred on my preferred timeline," and apologized to people in his life who found out about his diagnosis in the press.

"I'm in a good place and feeling strong," he wrote. "It's been quite the initiation, and I'll tell you more when I'm ready."

Van Der Beek is best known as the titular character in The WB's Dawson's Creek, which ran for six season from 1998 to 2003. His other TV credits include Don't Trust the B— in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, Friends With Better Lives and Vampirina. He most recently appeared in an episode of The CW's Walker.

The actor will appear alongside other TV celebrities in Fox's The Fully Monty special, airing on Monday, Dec. 9, at 8/7c. Inspired by the 1997 British comedy of the same name, the program will follow Van Der Beek and his fellow participants as they bare it all for a choreographed strip-tease performed in front of a live audience. The event's mission is to "raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research," per the official release.