“Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them.”

These words from James Van Der Beek resonated across social media as the 47-year-old actor, beloved for his roles in ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Varsity Blues,’ recently shared his colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Colon cancer often begins silently, starting as small growths called polyps that can develop into cancer over time. That’s why medical experts now recommend colonoscopy screenings starting at age 45 for people at average risk. Those with a family history of colon cancer should consult their doctor about screening sooner.

“Beginning screening colonoscopies at the currently recommended age of 45 gives a person the best chance of avoiding colon cancer,’ says Dr. Freeman Farrow, family medicine physician at Beacon Medical Group La Porte. “Colonoscopies allow the gastroenterologist to see the lining of the colon and remove polyps before they can develop into colon cancer.”

Learn more about the importance of early screening in Dr. Farrow’s Medical Minute.