\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
James Van Der Beek<\/strong><\/a> recently announced that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer \u2014 but what does the disease entail?<\/p>\n \u201cColorectal cancer is a cancer<\/a> that arises in your colon or your rectum,\u201d gastroenterologist Roshini Raj<\/strong> exclusively told Us Weekly<\/em> on Monday, November 4. \u201cSo part of your large intestine.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s more need-to-know information.<\/p>\n Raj, who has not personally treated Van Der Beek, 47, shared that colorectal cancer can be present \u201cwithout causing any symptoms\u201d so it is crucial that everyone gets checked out and the best method is a colonoscopy. However, there are a few warning signs including blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea or a change in the shape of your stool.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really important to get screened at the appropriate age,\u201d Raj explained. \u201cThe recommendation now is to start screening at age 45, but you may need to be screened even earlier if you have a family history of colon cancer or polyps in the family or other genetic predispositions.\u201d<\/p>\n While the type of cancer is rising in men, Raj explained that it is a common cancer for both sexes, and both men and women should be alert and screened. He also noted that there has been an \u201cincrease\u201d in colorectal cancer for younger individuals.<\/p>\n If a person is diagnosed with colorectal cancer, the first thing a doctor does is determine its stage. If caught early, it is \u201cvery treatable\u201d per Raj. Determining the stage of the cancer happens when medical professionals analyze the size of the tumor or determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs. To treat the disease, surgery is often needed and can be followed with chemotherapy or radiation, depending on each case.<\/p>\n \u201cThe five year survival for stage one is over 95%,\u201d Raj told Us<\/em>. \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to get that colonoscopy and potentially get the diagnosis. Because if caught early, you have a very good chance of getting the right treatment and surviving very well.\u201d<\/p>\n According to Raj \u2014 cofounder of the supplement brand YayDay<\/a> \u2014 studies have shown that maintaining a high fiber diet could help people lower their risk of colorectal cancer. He encouraged people to incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other fiber rich foods into their diet while also maintaining an active healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n On Sunday, November 3, Van Der Beek revealed he was battling colorectal cancer<\/a>. The Dawson\u2019s Creek<\/em><\/a> alum later shared that he was feeling optimistic about his health<\/a>.<\/p>\nSymptoms and Warning Signs<\/h3>\n
When to Get Tested<\/h3>\n
What\u2019s the Treatment Regimen?<\/h3>\n
Is it Preventable, and How Can People Lower Their Risk?<\/h3>\n
What James Van Der Beek Said About His Diagnosis<\/h3>\n