(WBNG) — After the death of actor James Van Der Beek, doctors are stressing the importance of early screening for one of the deadliest kinds of cancers.
The Dawson’s Creek star died of colorectal cancer on Wednesday. He was just 48 years old.
Gastroenterologists say that colon cancer can be prevented if people take early action.
While many tests can detect cancer, doctors recommend getting a colonoscopy, especially if patients have a history of colon cancer in their families.
“Early detection is key. I know we say about any cancer //and that’s really the whole thought process behind colonoscopies in the first place, because if we can pick that up early, we can often remove that pollips during colonoscopies to try to prevent against that. So, in many cases, it is preventable,” said Dr. Amylya Penmesta, Gastroenterologist from Bassett Healthcare Network.
Those without immediate family history can start screenings at age 45.
While the preparation process is not so pleasant, the procedure is relatively quick and recovery is fast.
Because symptoms of colon cancer may vary, Penmesta recommends keeping an eye out for any unusual digestive issues.
“The tricky thing is not all cancers will present the same, and not everyone will have symptoms. So there is many people who often don’t have any symptoms and end up with a diagnosis. But things to look out for, definitely blood in the stool, unexplained weightloss, even a change in bowel habits,” she said.
Learn more about colon cancer at the American Cancer Association’s website.
Copyright 2026 WBNG. All rights reserved.
date: 2026-02-12 22:15:00
Worth a look