Actor James Van Der Beek, 47, has publicly revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis, sharing that he has been working through the condition with the support of his family and feels optimistic about his recovery. Van Der Beek's announcement comes as colorectal cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men under 50 and the second-leading cause among women in that age group, according to the advocacy group Fight Colorectal Cancer.
Yvette Blancas, a Registered Nurse in OSF HealthCare's gastrointestinal lab, talks about the importance of regular colonoscopies, often a source of anxiety for patients.
Data from the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates nearly 107,000 new cases of colon cancer and over 46,000 cases of rectal cancer in 2024. Although overall rates have declined since the mid-1980s, cases in people under 55 have risen by 1-2% each year since the mid-1990s. New guidelines now recommend starting colonoscopy screenings at 45, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
Blancas also highlighted alternative screening options, such as CT colonography, stool DNA tests, and fecal immunochemical tests, for those unable to undergo a colonoscopy. She encourages open discussions with healthcare providers and family members to ensure everyone stays proactive about their health.
Visit newsroom.osfhealthcare.org/dont-push-off-your-colonoscopy for more information.
