“Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek shared a secret health struggle, calling it a challenge beyond his “preferred timeline” with moments of “divine intervention.”

Actor James Van Der Beek revealed his cancer diagnosis on November 3 in an emotional Instagram reel. The 47-year-old TV star, who had managed his illness privately, originally planned to share his story in a planned interview with People magazine.

However, he announced it early after learning that a tabloid intended to release the news. This prompted James to share his story in his own words. Shortly after his post, People confirmed that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

James’s diagnosis, according to the American Cancer Society, begins in the colon or rectum, often developing from polyps, which are small growths on the inner lining of these organs. While most polyps are benign, some can turn cancerous over time.

When a polyp does become cancerous, it can grow into the layers of the colon or rectum wall, potentially spreading to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The severity of colorectal cancer depends on how deeply it penetrates the organ’s walls and whether it has spread beyond the colon or rectum.

In his Instagram post, James explained that he joins the nearly 2 billion people worldwide diagnosed with cancer each year. He assured followers that he is receiving treatment and focusing on his health.

“I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready,” he wrote, thanking supporters for their encouragement and care.

The TV star also apologized to close friends and family members who hadn’t yet heard about his diagnosis directly from him.

“Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention,” he said.