James Van Der Beek Says the Outpouring of Love He's Received amid Cancer Announcement 'Means the World' (Exclusive)

James Van Der Beekis opening up about the outpouring of love and support he received when he first told his family and a small circle of friends about his colorectal cancer diagnosis. “On August 31 of last year, I became one of the many millions of Americans and people around the world who found out they have cancer,” says Van Der Beek, 47, during an exclusive interview withPEOPLEfor this week’s cover story.

James Van Der Beek's Cancer Diagnosis

James Van Der Beekrevealed on Nov. 3 that he’d been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at age 46, saying he had been undergoing treatment, “there is reason for optimism and I’m feeling good.“He opened up further in an interview with PEOPLE, detailing what led him to undergo testing, how he reacted to the news and what he’s changed in his lifestyle as a result of the diagnosis.Learn more about Van Der Beek’s health journey, as well as what to know about this type of cancer and the increasing incidences of cancer in younger people, below.

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

James Van Der Beekhas colorectal cancer, PEOPLE can confirm. “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,” the star, 47, tells PEOPLE exclusively. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” Van Der Beek adds. Colorectal cancer, per theAmerican Cancer Society, starts in the colon or the rectum, which make up the large intestine in the digestive system.

James Van Der Beek, Who Shares 6 Kids with Wife Kimberly, Reveals He Got a Vasectomy Before Cancer Diagnosis (Exclusive)

Eight is enough!James Van Der Beek, who this week opened up about hiscolorectal cancer diagnosisfor a PEOPLE magazine cover story, also revealed that he and his wife Kimberly, who share six kids, will not be having any more children.“Well, we love having kids, but we didn’t really plan it out,” Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly, 42, says of having such a big brood. (The couple share six children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.

Jamie Foxx Celebrates Daughter Anelise's 16th Birthday with Adorable Throwback Photos: 'You're Just Getting Started'

Jamie Foxx and daughter Anelise.Photo:Jamie Foxx/Instagram Jamie Foxx/Instagram Jamie Foxx’sdaughter is celebrating a milestone birthday! On Wednesday, Oct. 9, the actor, 56, shared a few carousels of photoson his Instagramas he celebrated his daughter Anelise’s 16th birthday. In one post, Foxx included a round-up of several throwback photos of his newly minted 16-year-old, writing a sweet tribute in his caption. “I have watched you grow. It has been nothing short of extraordinary.