The death of James Van Der Beek has renewed attention on colorectal cancer. Learn what it is, common symptoms to watch for, recommended screening guidelines and prevention strategies to catch the

"Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after colorectal cancer battle. Signs, symptoms, prognosis of the condition.

An increasing number of people are dying of colorectal cancer at a young age. The death of actor James Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, at age 48 is bringing the disease back into the limelight.

This distinction is crucial. Unlike a mammogram or a lung scan, which are primarily imaging tests to find existing tumors, a colonoscopy allows a gastroenterologist to intervene on the spot. When a doctor finds a polyp, or a small clump of cells that can turn into cancer over time, they remove it right then and there.

Colon cancer can be found in a few ways, including a digital rectal exam and a fecal occult blood test. There is also the option of using devices in a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. There is also a virtual colonoscopy, the National Cancer Institute said.

Undergoing cancer treatment at a younger age can put the survivors at risk of developing numerous gastrointestinal polyps, even if they do not have hereditary susceptibility to polyposis. The acquired condition, therapy-associated polyposis (TAP), has only ...