These are the red flags There are a few key symptoms of bowel cancer and time is of the essence when it comes to detecting the illness, experts have revealed. The late actor James Van Der Beek was one of the many people diagnosed with the disease who initially dismissed the warning signs.

DAWSON’S Creek Star James Van Der Beek has died after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. The actor’s family announced his death on social media, 14 months after he first revealed

“Even if you're in your 20s or 30s, you should get checked out if you have rectal bleeding, if you have any change in your bowel habits, any change in appetite (like feeling 'full' early), weight loss, or abdominal pain that is not explained,” added Haddon Pantel, MD, a Yale Medicine colorectal surgeon.

Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States and cases among younger adults are rising. Early detection is critical, as symptoms may not appear until the cancer has progressed. "It's important for people to realize that colon cancer ...

Colon cancer can be found in a few ways, including a digital rectal exam and a fecal occult blood test. There is also the option of using devices in a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. There is also a virtual colonoscopy, the National Cancer Institute said.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an umbrella term for a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation and swelling in the digestive tract. It primarily includes two conditions: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Dawson's Creek' actor James Van Der Beek died 'peacefully' earlier this week - just over two years since he shared the news of his bowel cancer diagnosis