James Van Der Beek's Fans Slam Tabloid After 'Altered' Plan To Share Cancer Diagnosis

James Van Der Beekwas forced to share his cancer diagnosis earlier than planned after a media outlet got wind of it — and his fans are outraged.

The "Dawson's Creek" star announced he had been secretly battling colorectal cancer in a statement on November 3. Hours later, he shared more details about his condition and why he revealed it the way he did on Instagram.

James Van Der Beek's post sparked thousands of supportive comments, with many bashing tabloids for invading his privacy. Meanwhile, others reacted to the news with their own survival stories and wished for the actor's well-being.

Van Der Beek shared a photo montage set to Richard LaForge's "Autumn Breeze." The first image captured him posing with his daughter and a dog, followed by a solo shot of him in a cowboy hat.

While these images were heartwarming, Van Der Beek's caption was a tear-jerker. "'It is cancer…' Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I'm one of them," he began.

"There's no playbook for how to announce these things, but I'd planned on talking about it at length with People magazine at some point soon... to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms," Van Der Beek continued, adding:

"But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news. I've been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before."

Although he could not share his diagnosis the way he wanted, Van Der Beek assured fans that he was "in a good place and feeling strong."He promised to share more details after adjusting and apologized to his loved ones for the public announcement.

"Apologies to all the people in my life who I'd planned on telling myself. Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline," Van Der Beek lamented. Despite the hiccups, he noted he would "roll with it" and take each surprise as a sign pointing towards a "greater destiny."

"Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come…," the actor concluded. His words sparked positive reactions from fans, who vehemently criticized the tabloid that outed Van Der Beek's private cancer battle.

Thousands of displeased fans aired grievances against the media outlet, slamming them for invading Van Der Beek's privacy. "I don't understand how people who work for tabloid companies sleep at night," someone wondered.

"Celebrity or not, everyone deserves the right to share their cancer diagnosis on their own terms. Shame on the tabloids. Sending you love, strength, and healing energy as you embark on your cancer journey. You got this!" another partly wrote.

"Oh, James, I'm so sorry you didn't get to address this news on your own terms. I know that when the time comes, your voice & experience will be so valuable. My thoughts are with you and your sweet family," a third added.

Author Bree Sunshine Smith echoed similar sentiments, commenting: "I'm so sorry that a tabloid has violated your privacy like this. This is your story that you should have had the full autonomy to share on your timeline and on your terms."

As stated, Van Der Beek addressed his cancer diagnosis in a statement before his Instagram update. The Blast covered the message he shared, which revealed his type of condition as "colorectal cancer."

"I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," Van Der Beek explained.

"There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good," the actor added. Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the large intestine (colon and rectum).

Colorectal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the colon or rectum grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Despite his health battle, Van Der Beek's status as an actor blossomed with a role in "Sidelined: The QB and Me," a Tubi original film that hit screens on November 29.

Although it was unclear when Van Der Beek was diagnosed with cancer, he has been spending quality time with his family. In June, he shared pictures of their trip to Egypt on Instagram, capturing his wife and their six kids.

"Egypt… With all my vocabulary, 'Wow'is what fell out of my mouth most of the time. We were gifted a magical experience, one I'm still processing - and might be for the rest of my life," Van Der Beek captioned the post.

"The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel and time zone crossing and early-morning alarms, I feel recharged," he added, noting the place left with "reverence and awe."

Hopefully, James Van Der Beek can enjoy more trips with his lovely family despite his cancer battle.