James Van Der Beek, 47, Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer: 'There’s Reason for Optimism, and I’m Feeling Good' (Exclusive)

James Van Der Beek has colorectal cancer, PEOPLE can confirm.

“I have colon cancer. I have dealt with this diagnosis privately and am taking steps to deal with it, with the support of my amazing family,” the 47-year-old star tells PEOPLE exclusively.

“There are reasons for optimism and I feel good,” adds Van Der Beek.

Colon cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, begins in the colon or rectum, which make up the large intestine in the digestive system.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

James Van Der Beek in ‘The Real Full Monty’.

FOX via Gett

James Van Der Beek, Taye Diggs and more famous male stars for everyone The real Full Monty Special

Despite his diagnosis, Van Der Beek worked actively while managing his care.

He recently appeared in one episode Walker and he is the next to act Aside: QB and meTubi original movie coming out November 29th.

Van Der Beek also prioritized time with his family – his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Back in June, the group went on an unforgettable trip to Egypt. In a post on Instagram, College blues alum shared photos of himself and his family posing with a camel, looking at the Egyptian pyramids and more.

“#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, ‘Wow’ is what came out of my mouth most of the time. We had a magical experience, which I’m still processing – and may be for the rest of my life,” Van Der Beek wrote in part in his title. “The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the traveling and crossing time zones and early morning alarms, I feel recharged.”

James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.

Rick Kern/Getty

Says Taye Diggs The real Full Monty Actors ‘Began to Open Up’ During Rehearsals About How Cancer Has Affected Them

Later in December, Van Der Beek is scheduled to appear at The real Full Montya two-hour special in which a group of male celebrities will strip down to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.

Along with the star, the special will also feature fellow actor Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones and longtime Dancing with the stars judge Bruno Tonioli.

The event was inspired by the 1997 Oscar-nominated film The full MontyAnthony Anderson will executive produce.

“Uncomfortably, I thought I was just doing Anthony Anderson a favor and supporting cancer. But when we got there and really started talking about these issues, everyone started opening up and we got to know each other on a different level,” Diggs recently told PEOPLE for a special .

The real Full Monty the premiere is scheduled for December 9.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education