James Van Der Beek misinterpreted cancer indicators as diet-related issues.

James Van Der Beek is fighting to stay positive as he battles stage 3 colorectal cancer.

During his cancer journey, the "Dawson's Creek" star has shared the difficulties he has encountered.

Van Der Beek, 47, disclosed that he lacks a family history of cancer and has maintained a fit physique throughout most of his life.

He believed that cancer was linked to aging and an unhealthy lifestyle, but he was in excellent cardiovascular shape. He made an effort to eat healthily, as he understood it at the time.

He admitted the ups and downs of his challenging health struggle.

""One of the hardest things for someone who likes answers is dealing with the many unknowns that come with cancer," he said."

"Then the gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — that it was cancer. I think I went into shock." — James Van Der Beek

Last year, Van Der Beek initially attributed his cancer symptoms to changes in his bowel movements, attributing them to his diet.

"He considered stopping coffee or reducing the cream in his coffee, but when he tried both and it didn't improve, he decided to get it checked out."

After the colonoscopy, the actor learned of his diagnosis.

"After feeling great coming out of anesthesia, I was shocked when the gastroenterologist told me it was cancer. He delivered the news in a pleasant bedside manner."

The Mayo Clinic suggests that various treatments can manage colorectal cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and medications such as chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. People with an average risk of cancer should start preventive screenings at 45.

After being diagnosed with cancer, Van Der Beek decided to change his diet and became more health-conscious. He started reading food labels before buying anything in stores.

He stated that the country is beginning to realize the importance of connecting with our food and understanding how much it has been processed and how far it has strayed from its natural state.

"It would be beneficial for everyone to let go of their assumptions about what's healthy and what's not, as this process is not enjoyable."

Van Der Beek stated that he is aware of avoiding processed foods, gluten, and dairy in his diet, using organic vegetables from his garden, and exercising regularly.

Despite not disclosing specifics about his colon cancer treatment, the "Varsity Blues" actor discussed his journey.

"He remarked, "This has been a crash course in mastering mind, body, and spirit." He thought, "This will either take me out of my body or teach me how to truly live in it.""

He shared his health update and how he felt during his cancer treatment during his interview.

Van Der Beek stated, "I'm cautiously optimistic as I'm in a healing phase and my energy levels are high. I'll update you once I've fully recovered. There's a lot to live for."

"I feel like this is going to be a major life redirect and I'm going to make changes that I never would've made otherwise. In a year or five years, 30 years from now, I'll look back on this and be grateful it happened."

This week, Van Der Beek disclosed that he planned to keep his diagnosis private until a later date.

In an Instagram post, Van Der Beek stated, "I have cancer, which is diagnosed to approximately 2 billion people worldwide each year."

He continued, "There is no playbook for announcing these things, but I had planned on discussing it in detail with People magazine at some point soon. My intention was to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. However, my plan had to be changed early this morning when I learned that a tabloid was going to publish the news."

The actor had been "privately dealing with this" and was now "focusing on getting treatment and improving his overall health with greater intensity."

The father of six privately dealt with a colorectal cancer diagnosis and took steps to resolve it with the support of his family, as he stated in his original statement to People.

Van Der Beek has earned an acting credit for appearing in a June episode of "Walker." A new movie, "Sidelined: The QB and Me," is set to premiere on Tubi later this month. In December, he will appear in a Fox special called "The Real Full Monty," which aims to raise awareness for colorectal, prostate and testicular cancer.

Planet Chronicle Digital's Emily Trainham contributed to this report.