James Van Der Beek Apologizes to Loved Ones Who Had to Learn of His Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis from Press: ‘No Playbook’

James Van Der Beek is expressing some harsh thoughts after revealing his colon cancer diagnosis.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Nov. 3, the star, 47, who shared his health news exclusively with PEOPLE, apologized to his loved ones for having to learn his diagnosis so suddenly through the media.

“It’s cancer… Every year approximately 2 billion people around the world get this diagnosis. And I’m one of them,” Van Der Beek began. “There’s no playbook on how to publish these things, but I had planned to talk about it at length with People magazine at some point … to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms. But that plan had to change early this morning when I was notified that the tabloid will publish the news.”

Detailing that he’s “dealt with it privately so far, getting treatment and choosing my overall health with more focus than ever before,” the actor continued, “I’m in a good place and I feel strong. It’s been a pretty good initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

“I apologize to all the people in my life that I planned to tell myself. Nothing about this process happened on my desired timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us towards a greater destiny than ours discovered without divine intervention,” Van Der Beek concluded. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come…”

Along with the statement, Van Der Beek shared a video compilation of photos of himself and his children, uploaded by Richard LaForge “Autumn Breeze.”

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James Van Der Beek.

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

In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE earlier on Sunday, Nov. 3, Van Der Beek shared the health news.

“I have colon cancer. I have dealt with this diagnosis privately and am taking steps to overcome it, with the support of my amazing family,” he said in an exclusive statement.

“There are reasons for optimism and I feel good,” he said College blues star added.

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

James Van Der Beek in ‘The Fully Monty’.

FOX via Gett

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

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

He recently appeared in one episode Walker and he is the next to act Aside: QB and methe original Tubi movie is released on November 29. 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.

Next month, Van Der Beek is scheduled to appear on The real Full Montytwo-hour special in which a group of male celebrities, including Taye Diggs, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones and longtime Dancing with the stars judge Bruno Tonioli will strip to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.

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

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

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Source: HIS Education