James Van Der Beek apologizes to his loved ones for hiding his cancer diagnosis

James Van Der Beek apologized to his loved ones for not informing them of his colon cancer diagnosis.

The 47-year-old “Dawson's Creek” actor wrote on Instagram on Sunday that he did not plan to announce his health diagnosis in a brief statement to People, but that he had to “change” his plan since his diagnosis was reportedly on the public would reach out to “a tabloid.”

“There's no guidebook on how to announce these things, but I had planned to speak about it at length with People magazine soon… to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms,” ​​Van Der Beek explained.

“But that plan had to change this morning when I was informed that a tabloid would be published with the news,” he added.

The father of six said he had been dealing with the diagnosis “privately” and was “seeking treatment and examining my overall health with greater focus than ever before” before the news broke on Sunday.

“I'm fine and feeling strong,” he told his followers. “It's been quite a start, and I'll tell you more when I'm ready.”

“I apologize to all the people in my life that I wanted to say to myself,” Van Der Beek continued. “On my preferred timeline, none of this process has occurred… But we move forward with it, taking each surprise as a signpost pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.”

He added: “Please know that my family and I greatly appreciate all the love and support. More will follow…”

Van Der Beek's post also included a video montage of him and his children. He shares Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3, with his wife Kimberly, 42.

The “Varsity Blues” actor revealed over the weekend that he is privately battling colon cancer with his “incredible family” by his side.

“There is reason for optimism and I feel good,” said Van Der Beek.

Kimberly showed her support after the cancer news broke with a sweet comment on Van Der Beek's Instagram post.

“I love you baby,” she wrote.

Kimberly also tagged her husband in a post about northern cardinals in which he called the birds “romantic” and explained that they “mate for life, travel together, sing before nesting, and exchange beaks during courtship.” Beak feed each other seeds.”

Van Der Beek has been married to his wife since 2010. The couple and their children currently live in Texas after moving from Los Angeles in 2020.