Why James Van Der Beek’s Death Has So Many People Asking About Colonoscopies

The unexpected death of 48-year-old actor James Van Der Beek from colorectal cancer has left many people wondering: “Am I supposed to get a colonoscopy earlier than I thought?” It’s a painful reminder that colon cancer is no longer just a disease of older adults—rates in people under 50 have been rising for years, even as overall cancer deaths continue to fall.

If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or early 50s and feeling confused or worried, you’re not alone. The good news is that colorectal cancer is often highly preventable and highly treatable when caught early. The challenge is knowing exactly when to be screened and which test makes sense for you.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what major medical groups now recommend, how those guidelines are shifting in response to rising cases in younger adults, and how to advocate for yourself with your own doctor—without panicking, and without putting it off.

James Van Der Beek smiling at a public event
The death of 48-year-old actor James Van Der Beek from colorectal cancer is prompting new conversations about earlier screening.

The Problem: Colon Cancer Is Hitting Younger Adults Harder

Over the last two decades, doctors have been seeing a worrying trend: while colorectal cancer rates in older adults are generally declining—thanks in large part to colonoscopies and other screening tests—rates in people under 50 are climbing.

According to data cited by oncologists and public health experts as of early 2026:

  • People in their 30s and 40s are being diagnosed more often, and often at more advanced stages.
  • Colorectal cancer is now one of the leading causes of cancer death in younger adults.
  • Many younger patients had symptoms for months or years before being taken seriously.
“We are absolutely seeing more colorectal cancer in people under 50. That’s part of why guidelines have moved the routine screening age down to 45—and why we encourage anyone with symptoms or strong family history to talk to their doctor even earlier.”
— Gastroenterologist at a major U.S. cancer center, 2025 interview

Experts are still studying the exact causes—likely a mix of diet, obesity, inactivity, gut microbiome changes, environmental exposures, and genetics. But one thing is clear: waiting until 50 to think about colon cancer is no longer safe for everyone.


Current Colonoscopy Guidelines: What Age Should You Start?

Several expert groups regularly review the research and publish colorectal cancer screening guidelines, including:

  • U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
  • American Cancer Society (ACS)
  • American College of Gastroenterology (ACG)

While there are small differences, they broadly agree on one key point: “average-risk” adults should now start routine colorectal cancer screening at age 45.

If You’re at Average Risk

You’re considered average risk if you:

  • No personal history of colorectal cancer or certain types of polyps
  • No inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s affecting the colon)
  • No known hereditary cancer syndrome (like Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis)
  • No first-degree relatives (parent, sibling, child) with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps diagnosed young

For most average-risk adults:

  • Start screening at age 45
  • Continue until about age 75, depending on your health and doctor’s advice
  • From 76–85, screening is individualized based on health, prior results, and preferences

If You’re at Higher Risk

Some people need to start earlier than 45. You may be in a higher-risk group if:

  • You have a first-degree relative diagnosed with colorectal cancer or advanced polyps, especially before age 60
  • You have multiple affected relatives on the same side of the family
  • You have inflammatory bowel disease involving the colon
  • You have a hereditary syndrome (Lynch, FAP, or others)

For many of these higher-risk situations, doctors often recommend:

  • Starting colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years earlier than the youngest affected relative—whichever comes first (e.g., if your mother was diagnosed at 45, you may start at 35).
  • Screening more often than every 10 years (for example, every 5 years), depending on your personal and family history.

Colonoscopy vs. Other Tests: What Are Your Screening Options?

“Getting screened” doesn’t always mean having a colonoscopy right away. There are several evidence-based tests that can find cancer early or even prevent it by detecting polyps before they turn into cancer.

1. Colonoscopy (the “gold standard”)

A colonoscopy uses a flexible camera to examine the entire colon and rectum. During the procedure, the doctor can remove polyps on the spot, which is why colonoscopy is considered the most comprehensive test.

  • How often: Every 10 years if results are normal and you’re average risk
  • Sedation: Usually yes; you’ll need someone to drive you home
  • Prep: Bowel prep the day before to clean out the colon
Colonoscopy remains the most complete test because it allows doctors to see and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.

2. Stool-Based Tests

These noninvasive tests look for hidden blood or abnormal DNA in your stool. Common options include:

  • FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test): Yearly; looks for hidden blood
  • High-sensitivity guaiac FOBT: Yearly; also looks for blood
  • Stool DNA-FIT (e.g., Cologuard): Every 3 years in many guidelines, if normal

These are good options if you’re reluctant to get a colonoscopy right away, but any abnormal result means you’ll need a follow-up colonoscopy.

3. CT Colonography (“Virtual Colonoscopy”)

This imaging test uses CT scans to create pictures of the colon. It still requires bowel prep but no sedation.

  • How often: Every 5 years if normal, for average-risk people
  • Limitation: If a polyp is found, you’ll still need a traditional colonoscopy to remove it

When You Might Need a Colonoscopy Before Age 45

One of the hardest parts of hearing about someone like James Van Der Beek dying at 48 is that we naturally ask, “Could it have been caught earlier?” Unfortunately, we often don’t know all the details about a public figure’s health history. But we do know there are clear situations where earlier colonoscopy is strongly recommended.

You should talk to your doctor about earlier colonoscopy if:

  1. A parent, sibling, or child had colorectal cancer or advanced polyps—especially before age 60.
  2. You have multiple relatives with colon or rectal cancer on the same side of the family.
  3. You’ve had unexplained rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, or black/tarry stools that aren’t from iron or medications.
  4. You’ve had persistent changes in bowel habits—new constipation, diarrhea, or narrowing of the stool—that last more than a few weeks.
  5. You’ve lost weight unintentionally (without trying) or had ongoing fatigue without another clear explanation.
  6. You have known inflammatory bowel disease or a hereditary cancer syndrome.
If you have symptoms or a strong family history, it is appropriate to ask about colonoscopy before 45.
“Age is only one part of the story. Symptoms and family history often matter more. I’d much rather do a colonoscopy that turns out normal on a 38-year-old than miss a growing cancer because we waited.”
— Board-certified gastroenterologist, 2024 panel discussion

Overcoming the Biggest Barriers: Fear, Embarrassment, and the Prep

Many people know they “should” get a colonoscopy but put it off for years. When I talk with patients, the same themes come up over and over:

  • “I’m scared they’ll find something.”
  • “I’m embarrassed about the whole process.”
  • “I’ve heard the prep is awful.”
  • “I can’t take time off work or find a ride.”

These feelings are completely understandable. Here’s how to work through them in a realistic way.

Fear of the Results

It’s human to worry, “What if they find cancer?” Yet, from a medical standpoint, finding something early is exactly what we want. Colonoscopies often find small polyps that can be removed before they ever become cancer.

Not getting screened doesn’t make the risk go away—it only makes it harder to treat if something is there.

Embarrassment About the Procedure

Gastroenterology teams do colonoscopies all day, every day. For them, this is routine, professional medical work. Your body is carefully draped, and most people remember little to nothing thanks to sedation.

The Bowel Prep

Prep has a reputation—and yes, it’s not fun. You’ll drink a special solution and spend several hours using the bathroom to clean out your colon. The process is temporary but crucial; a clean colon means the doctor can see polyps clearly.

  • Ask if your clinic offers split-dose prep (part the night before, part the morning of).
  • Chill the prep solution and use a straw to make it easier to drink.
  • Use petroleum jelly or barrier creams to protect sensitive skin.

Practical Steps: How to Decide If You Need a Colonoscopy Now

Knowing the guidelines is one thing; figuring out what you should do this year is another. Here’s a step-by-step way to turn information into action.

Step 1: Gather Your Family History

  • Talk to parents, siblings, and if possible, aunts/uncles and grandparents.
  • Ask specifically about colon, rectal, stomach, uterine, ovarian, or other cancers that might suggest a hereditary syndrome.
  • Write down ages at diagnosis and which side of the family they’re on.

Step 2: Check Your Age and Risk Category

Use this as a general guide to discuss with your doctor (not as a substitute for medical advice):

  • Under 45, average risk, no symptoms: Typically no routine colonoscopy yet, but consider stool-based tests if advised.
  • Ages 45–75, average risk: You should be in some form of colorectal cancer screening—talk to your doctor if you’re not.
  • Any age with strong family history or symptoms: Ask specifically, “Do I need a colonoscopy now?”

Step 3: Choose a Screening Test

With your clinician, consider:

  • Your comfort level with different tests
  • Insurance coverage and local availability
  • How likely you are to complete the prep and follow-up
Person writing notes while speaking with a healthcare professional via video call
A 20-minute appointment—virtual or in person—can be enough to review your risk and choose an appropriate colorectal cancer screening plan.

Step 4: Schedule and Prepare

  1. Ask about wait times for colonoscopy in your area.
  2. Arrange transportation if you’ll receive sedation.
  3. Plan your prep day: clear schedule, bathroom access, gentle entertainment (books, shows, music).

Beyond Colonoscopy: Everyday Habits That Support Colon Health

Screening is powerful, but it’s only part of the picture. While no lifestyle choice can guarantee you’ll never get colon cancer, certain habits are consistently associated with lower risk in large population studies.

  • Eat more fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. High-fiber diets are linked to lower colorectal cancer risk.
  • Limit processed meats (bacon, sausage, deli meats) and reduce heavy red meat intake; both are associated with higher colorectal cancer risk.
  • Move your body regularly. Moderate physical activity (like brisk walking) several times a week can reduce risk.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol; both are linked to higher colorectal and other cancer risks.
  • Maintain a healthy weight as best you can, with support if needed.
Colorful plate of vegetables, grains, and healthy proteins
A fiber-rich, plant-forward diet is one of several lifestyle choices associated with lower colorectal cancer risk.

Quick FAQs About Colonoscopy and Colon Cancer Screening

Is colonoscopy the only way to screen for colon cancer?

No. Stool-based tests (like FIT or stool DNA-FIT) and CT colonography are also recommended options in guidelines. Colonoscopy is the only one that both finds and removes most polyps in the same procedure, which is why it’s often preferred, especially for higher-risk people.

If my stool test is normal, do I still need a colonoscopy?

Not necessarily right away. If you’re average risk and your stool tests remain normal over time (done on the recommended schedule), many people can safely delay colonoscopy. However, abnormal stool test results should be followed with colonoscopy.

Can colorectal cancer be cured if it’s found early?

Many early-stage colorectal cancers can be treated very effectively, with high long-term survival rates. Some precancerous polyps can even be removed before they turn into cancer. This is why screening at the right time is so critical.

Does every rectal bleeding mean cancer?

No. Hemorrhoids and other benign conditions are much more common causes of bleeding. But bleeding should never be dismissed, especially if it’s new, persistent, or combined with other symptoms. Let a clinician determine the cause.


Moving Forward: Turning Awareness into Protection

Stories like James Van Der Beek’s are heartbreaking—and they’re also calls to action. We can’t change what’s already happened, but we can use that awareness to better protect ourselves and the people we love.

You don’t need to figure everything out today. But you can take one concrete step:

  • If you’re 45 or older and haven’t been screened, put “colon cancer screening” on your to-do list this week.
  • If you’re younger but have symptoms or family history, schedule a visit and ask directly: “Do I need a colonoscopy or another screening test now?”
  • If you’re nervous, share that with your doctor; it’s part of their job to help you through it.

Early detection saves lives. Awareness, conversations, and timely screening are some of the most powerful tools we have. Your future self—and the people who care about you—are worth the effort.