James van der Beek opens up his journey with colorectal cancer and marks his 48 -year birthday with a heartfelt instagram video titled what cancer taught me.

In the sincere clip that was shared on March 8, Dawson’s Creek Alun described the past year as the most challenging in his life.

When he reflected on his identity, Van der Beek remembered how he once defined himself solely as an actor before embracing roles as a man, father and provider.

However, his cancer diagnosis forced him to reassess everything.

As for this, he admitted, “I had to get nose to nose with death,” while explaining how his illness prevented him from fulfilling the responsibility he was once proud of.

During the treatment, he was unable to support his family in the ways he had before, unable to help his wife, care for his six children, or even tend to their country, according to people’s reports.

Through meditation and self -reflection, van der Beek came to a strong realization when he said, “I am worthy of God’s love simply because I exist. And if I am worthy of God’s love, should I not be my own worthy?”

Furthermore, he urged his supporters to adopt the same mindset and confirm, “‘I am worthy of love.’ Because you are.

According to the publication, the actor first revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024 and shared that he had been privately fought with the disease with the unwavering support of his family.

At that time he expressed optimism over his forecast and said, “There is reason for optimism and I am well.”