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

“I have colorectal cancer. I faced this diagnosis privately and took steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the 47-year-old star exclusively tells PEOPLE.

“There are reasons to be optimistic and I feel good,” adds Van Der Beek.

Colorectal cancer, according to American Cancer Societybegins in the colon or rectum, which make up the large intestine of the digestive system.

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Despite the diagnosis, Van Der Beek worked actively throughout his treatment.

He recently appeared in an episode of Walker and he should then play in Sidelined: the QB and mea Tubi original film released on November 29.

Van Der Beek also prioritized time with his family – wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Last June, the group took a memorable trip to Egypt. In an Instagram post, the College Blues a former student shared photos of him and his family posing with a camel, looking at the Egyptian pyramids and more.

“#Egypt… With all my vocabulary, ‘Wow’ is what comes out of my mouth most of the time. We were treated to a magical experience, one that I’m still having – and could. be for the rest of my life,” Van Der Beek wrote, in part, in his caption. “The kids were rock stars, my friends became brothers, and despite all the travel, jet lag, and early morning alarms, I feel recharged.”

Later in December, Van Der Beek is expected to appear on The real full Montya two-hour special in which a group of male celebrities will strip to raise awareness about prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer screening and research.

Alongside the star, the special will also feature another actor Taye DiggsKansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and for a long time Dancing with the stars judge Bruno Tonioli.

The event, inspired by the 1997 Oscar-nominated film The full Montywill be produced by Antoine Anderson.

“It’s embarrassing, I thought I was just doing Anthony Anderson a favor and supporting cancer. But once we got there and really started talking about these issues, everyone started to open up and we got to know each other on a different level”, Diggs recently told people something special.

The real full Monty is set to premiere on December 9.