Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek reveals he had vasectomy before shock cancer diagnosis
DAWSON's Creek star James Van Der Beek has revealed that he had a vasectomy.
The actor previously announced that he was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer.
James, 47, first rose to fame in the 90s on the teen drama Dawson's Creek where he played the titular role of Dawson Leery.
He shares six children with his wife Kimberly Brook after the duo tied the knot in 2010.
They are parents to Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, eight, Gwen, six and Jeremiah, three.
The actor has now explained that he had a vasectomy after welcoming his six kids.
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In an interview with he confirmed: "We love having kids, but we didn't really plan it out.
"It just happened. We had one planned child. One! Out of six.
"One was 100% on purpose. The one thing we really sucked at was not getting pregnant."
He continued: "But thank God, honestly, because it's such a struggle for people, and we really don't take it for granted.
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"I joke, and I laugh, but like, yeah, we really just kind of got lucky that way.
"I figured the only way we're going to stop this is if we have some medical intervention."
The actor also revealed the news of his diagnosis in a statement to , where he said: "I have colorectal cancer.
"I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.
"There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."
He is being supported by his family as his wife posted a tweet tribute to her partner.
Colorectal cancer develops in the tissues of the colon or rectum, which are both part of the large intestine and the digestive system.
Cancer screenings in England
CATCHING cancer early gives you the best chance of survival, and a huge part of that is attending regular screenings.
NHS programmes can help diagnose the disease, or risk of it, and improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
There are three national screening programmes in England: cervical screening, breast screening and bowel screening.
"If you are eligible, please make every effort to have your screening test as they can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. ," the NHS says.
"Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective."
Cervical screening
This is offered in England to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 and is routinely carried out every three years up to the age of 49, and every five from 50 to 64.
Depending on the result, people may be recalled earlier.
During a cervical screening, samples are tested for high risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes nearly all cervical cancers.
Those that test positive are then analysed further.
Breast screening
Breast screenings, which involve an X-ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they are too small to see or feel, are usually offered to women aged 50 to 71 in England.
But the NHS is trialling them for women under 50 if they have a high risk of developing breast cancer.
Bowel screening
This test detects whether patients are showing any early signs of cancer.
It is available to everyone aged 54 to 74, with the programme gradually expanding to those 50-plus after The Sun's No Time 2 Lose campaign.
Currently, those aged 54 to 74 are automatically sent an at-home test kit every two years, so make sure your GP has your correct address.
The at-home test involves providing a small poo sample to be checked for tiny amounts of blood, which could be caused by cancer.
If you're 75 or over, you can ask for a kit every two years by phoning the free bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.
Source: NHS
