Colorectal Cancer Rising Among Young People: What To Know

IndieWire via Getty Images Actor James Van Der Beek announced he's been diagnosed with colorectal cancer — rates of the disease are increasing in young people throughout the wor Actor James Van Der Beek, who is best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the ’90s teen drama series “Dawson’s Creek,” announced this week that he has colorectal cancer. The 47-year-old actor’s diagnosis is part of a concerning rise in colorectal cancer rates ― which groups together colon and rectal cancer because of their similarities ― in younger people throughout the world. Many experts do consider colonoscopies to be the gold standard, Mendelsohn said, “because it’s really the screening method where we can at the same time identify these polyps and remove them, and if there is cancer, biopsy it — it allows us to do early recognition and cancer prevention at once.” There are other screening tests available as well, like stool tests and a CT scan known as a virtual colonoscopy, Mendelsohn said. Since most people younger than 45 won’t be screened for colorectal cancer, it’s important to monitor yourself for these symptoms and get in touch with your doctor if you notice any of these signs.