The deaths of actors James Van Der Beek and Catherine O’Hara, both from colorectal cancer within weeks of each other, have prompted renewed focus on the disease and its increasing incidence among younger adults.
Van Der Beek, 48, known for his role as Dawson Leery in the television series “Dawson’s Creek,” died Wednesday, February 11, just over a year after publicly disclosing his stage three diagnosis in November 2024, according to reports. O’Hara, 71, the actress famed for her role in “Beetlejuice,” died January 30 from a pulmonary embolism with colorectal cancer cited as an underlying cause.
While overall colorectal cancer diagnoses are declining, medical professionals are observing a concerning trend: a rise in cases among individuals under 50. Dr. Michael White, a surgical oncologist at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Henrico, Virginia, noted that approximately 150,000 cases are diagnosed annually in the United States. “It’s probably somewhat related to genetics, somewhat related to environmental exposure, somewhat related to our own diet and exercise, how healthy our lifestyle is,” White said.
The shift in demographics is particularly striking. According to data cited in a Palm Beach Post report, the incidence of colorectal cancer has decreased significantly for Florida residents in O’Hara’s age group over the past 22 years, but is simultaneously increasing among those in Van Der Beek’s age bracket. This trend is not isolated to Florida, with Kentucky also reporting rates above the national average, according to reporting from LEX18 News. In Kentucky, an estimated 2,580 residents will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, with 900 expected to die from the disease.
The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals at average risk begin regular screenings at age 45, a reduction from the previous recommendation of 50. Earlier screening is advised for those with a family history of the disease or who are experiencing symptoms. Dr. Nicolas Burnett, a radiation oncologist at CHI Saint Joseph Health, emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “What you want is you want to find more people at an earlier, curative stage.”
Symptoms of colorectal cancer include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, and unexplained weight loss or abdominal pain. Dr. White cautioned against ignoring these symptoms, even in younger individuals. “Just because you’re someone in your 30s or early 40s, if you’re having symptoms that are abnormal it’s not a reason to ignore them, because we do see people with cancer in that age range,” he said. A new Kentucky law, enacted this year, expands access to screening for high-risk patients, allowing those meeting specific criteria to be screened before age 45.
The recent deaths of Van Der Beek and O’Hara have underscored the importance of awareness and early detection, prompting a broader conversation about the disease and its impact on an increasingly younger population, as highlighted by The Star.
