MIAMI — "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek stunned fans when he revealed two weeks ago that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at just 47 years old. And, statistics show more people under 50 are getting the diagnosis, including one woman who was diagnosed at an even younger age.

"I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it," James Van Der Beek said.

The “Dawson’s Creek” alum revealed he’s been coping with the diagnosis “privately” with the support of his family.

He didn’t beat around the bush. “It is cancer,” James Van Der Beek shared with his 1.5 million Instagram followers on 4. “Each year, approximately 2 [million] people around the world receive this diagnosis.

Actor James Van Der Beek, 47, revealed he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. “I’ve been dealing with this pretty much in secret for a while,” he said. He detailed his symptoms and diagnosis. In August of last year,