The news of James Van Der Beeks colorectal cancer diagnosis came as a surprise to many but the actor didnt plan it that way.

On Sunday, the Dawsons Creek alum announced his diagnosis via People .

Ive been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family, the 47-year-old father of six told the magazine in an exclusive.

After the news broke on Sunday, the Varsity Blues star followed up his announcement with an eye-opening post published to his Instagram account that same day, in which he explained why he felt the need to keep his health status a secret.