Back in November, James shared his diagnosis with People. "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," he said. "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good."

Why did James Van Der Beek’s battle with cancer make him rethink his purpose in life? James Van Der Beek, the star many remember from Dawson’s Creek, recently shared a story that’s far from the glamour of Hollywood.

In a birthday message, James Van Der Beek shared how his battle with colorectal cancer affected his wife and kids as he "had to look my own mortality in the eye."