Paige Seifert, a 25-year-old engineer from Denver, Colorado, has issued a vital public health warning after being diagnosed with the same colorectal cancer that recently claimed the life of actor James Van Der Beek. The young woman, now declared cancer-free following an intensive treatment regimen, hopes her story will raise awareness about the often-overlooked symptoms of this serious disease.
A Shared Diagnosis with a Tragic Outcome
James Van Der Beek, best known for his iconic role in the television series Dawson's Creek, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023 and battled the illness for approximately two-and-a-half years before his passing. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends and colleagues, including a particularly poignant moment captured with close friend Alfonso Ribeiro.
For Paige Seifert, the actor's story resonated deeply, as she received her own diagnosis of stage-three colon cancer in January 2025, just one year after Van Der Beek's initial diagnosis. "My heart dropped when they told me I had cancer," Paige recalled. "It was the worst-case scenario. It was hard for my parents; they live on the other side of the country, it was stressful for them, but they travelled out as much as they could."
Overlooked Symptoms and Delayed Diagnosis
Paige's journey to diagnosis was marked by initial dismissals of concerning symptoms. She first noticed blood in her stool but attributed it to haemorrhoids, a common misconception. Her doctor also initially diagnosed haemorrhoids during two separate visits.
Only after being referred to a gastroenterologist in January 2025 for further investigation did a colonoscopy reveal the truth: a large mass on her colon. This led to an immediate referral to an oncologist who confirmed the stage-three colon cancer diagnosis.
An Intensive Treatment Journey
Paige's treatment plan was comprehensive and demanding:
- She underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy beginning in February 2025
- Treatment was paused halfway through for surgical intervention
- In July 2025, surgeons removed the tumour along with approximately one foot of her colon
- Chemotherapy resumed post-operation and concluded recently
"In the summer, the doctors removed the tumour and a foot of my colon," Paige explained. "After the operation, I started treatment again and completed it two weeks ago. A week after treatment stopped, I had a clear scan. The tumour is gone, they also removed 37 lymph nodes and tested them. My cancer has gone, and the recurrence markers are negative."
The Psychological Aftermath and Physical Recovery
While Paige expressed a "sense of relief" upon receiving her clear scan results, she acknowledged the ongoing psychological impact of her experience. "It is a sense of relief, but only for a moment," she admitted. "Getting cancer at 24 feels like I am bound to get cancer again. I have had some complications since my clear scan, even if the cancer has gone, there is still sickness I have to deal with."
Paige credits her active lifestyle and passion for sports—including skiing and mountain climbing—with helping her endure the physical and emotional challenges of treatment. "I genuinely believe that my active lifestyle helped me get through the last year," she said. "If I were having a down day, I would go and play sports — I don't know where I would be without it."
A Warning to Others
Now cancer-free and resuming her active lifestyle, Paige wants to emphasize the importance of recognizing colorectal cancer symptoms, which include:
- Blood in stool (often mistaken for haemorrhoids)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent weakness or fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits
Her message is particularly urgent given that colorectal cancer rates are increasing among younger adults. Paige considers herself fortunate compared to Van Der Beek's tragic outcome, but her experience serves as a powerful reminder that early detection and persistence in seeking medical answers can be life-saving.
