James Van Der Beek is speaking out about how he "went into shock" after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

James Van Der Beek is attempting to remain in good spirits as he battles stage 3 colorectal cancer. The "Dawson’s Creek" star opened up about the challenges he has faced during his cancer journey. Van Der Beek,

James Van Der Beek has colorectal cancer, PEOPLE can confirm. '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,

Like anyone who receives the news of a cancer diagnosis, James Van Der Beek couldn't help but be shocked at the news that he was sick. In the Dawson's Creek alum's interview with People, he revealed that he kept up his health and felt great after the diagnostic testing—which was why hearing the news of his colorectal cancer diagnosis came at such a shock.

James Van Der Beek gave his first comments about the “shock” of learning he has colorectal cancer and the “trickiest thing” he’s faced since being diagnosed.

I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time,” Van Der Beek recently told People.

That I’m going to look back on in a year or five years, 30 years from now and say, ‘Thank God that happened.’” In the interview, Van Der Beek opens up about the symptoms that caused him to schedule an appointment with a doctor,