Doctor explains commonly ignored signs of colorectal cancer after James Van Der Beek blamed symptom on coffee
A doctor has revealed which symptoms of colorectal cancer are often dismissed as something else and why people dismiss them.
Colorectal cancer and the symptoms of the illness has been a topic that's been widely discussed in recent days following the death of James Van Der Beek.
Van Der Beek, best known for starring in films and TV shows like Dawson's Creek, Varsity Blues, and The Rules of Attraction, as well as being a contestant on Dancing With The Stars, died on Tuesday (February 11) aged 48.
His family, who have had a GoFundMe page set up for them following his death, announced the news of his passing on Instagram in a tear-jerking tribute to man they described as 'a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend'.
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Van Der Beek went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2024 after privately battling the crippling illness for over a year.
He went on to make it his mission to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, which is said to claim the lives of more than 900,000 each year across the globe.
One thing Van Der Beek was open about what the symptoms he experienced and admitted that he initially thought he was drinking too much coffee and that's why his bowel movements had changed.
According to Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, it's not unusual for people to dismiss colorectal cancer symptoms as something else.
Speaking to UNILAD, Dr Grant said: "With so many overlapping symptoms, it can be easy to mistake colorectal cancer for a different condition, which can often delay diagnosis and reduce prompt treatment.
"The death of the actor James Van Der Beek this week highlights the importance of understanding the telltale signs of the condition, especially the symptoms that can often be mistaken for something else."
He proceeded to share which symptoms people might think are something less serious, and when it's time to go see a doctor.
Changes in bowel habits
"Firstly, changes in bowel habits are a significant sign of colorectal cancer, but with so many other potential causes, such as stress, dietary changes, IBS or minor infections, they can be quickly dismissed as harmless or temporary," explained Dr Grant.
"Persistent diarrhoea, constipation and blood in the stool can be warning signs of this cancer, so continuous bowel issues should always be addressed to ensure it’s not a sign of a potentially fatal condition."
Stomach pain
The healthcare professional shared: "Abdominal discomfort such as bloating and cramps can also be a sign of colorectal cancer. Again, with so many potential causes, these symptoms may be attributed to indigestion, trapped wind, food intolerance or hormonal changes, and therefore overlooked.
"Occasional cramping or bloating is common, but anyone experiencing symptoms that last for weeks should seek medical advice from their GP."
Fatigue and weakness
"Finally, colorectal cancer can cause slow internal bleeding, which can quickly lead to iron-deficiency anaemia," noted Dr Grant, who added: "As a result, people may experience unexplained fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath or dizziness."
He continued: "However, as tiredness is so common, it’s no surprise that it’s often mistaken for stress or poor sleep. Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest should always be investigated to rule out serious conditions such as colorectal cancer."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Niamh Shackleton