Rising Health Conditions Boost Cancer Death Risk for James Van Der Beek

A growing set of health issues affecting the US may be subtly contributing to the increasing rates of various cancers among Americans.

A comprehensive new study examining more than 50 million Americans aged 18 and older has discovered that metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar,excess belly fatand high cholesterol, greatly increases the likelihood of developing various obesity-associated cancers and severely reduces the chances of surviving colorectal cancercancer.

The comprehensive review, conducted by scholars from the University ofUtahand the Huntsman Cancer Institute, compiled 21 systematic reviews and meta-analyses that featured almost 100 separate studies.

The data was categorized as 'strongly indicative' of colorectal and kidney cancers.and ‘suggestive’ for breastand endometrial cancers. 'Highly suggestive' indicates that the connection is supported by robust data and is improbable to be coincidental. Less strong but still meaningful links were identified for pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancers.

The study revealed that individuals with metabolic syndrome have a 41% greater chance of getting colorectal cancer and a 67% higher likelihood of kidney cancer. Metabolic syndrome was linked to a 27% increased risk of breast cancer, a 49% higher risk of endometrial cancer, and a 33% increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Significantly, the study revealed that individuals with more metabolic abnormalities faced a greater overall risk of cancer and had worse survival rates for colorectal cancer. This remained valid even when considering body weight alone, indicating that metabolic issues, rather than obesity alone, play a key role.

Approximately four out of ten cancer cases in the United States are linked to obesity. This comprehensive review discovered that metabolic syndrome increases the likelihood of various cancers, such as colorectal, breast, endometrial, kidney, liver, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers, even when considering factors beyond just obesity.

The increased risk remained in individuals with a normal weight who had metabolic issues, indicating that the group of conditions contributes to cancer risk, not solely additional body weight.

The researchers stated: 'While there is variation in the quality of the studies, the consistent and strong nature of these links, especially concerning colorectal cancer, emphasize the significance of tackling metabolic syndrome as a crucial modifiable risk factor in the development and spread of cancer.'

In the latest research published in the journalObesity Reviews, weaker but still statistically significant associations were observed for liver cancer, showing a 74 percent increased risk, and esophageal adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of esophageal cancer, with a 21 percent greater risk.

Ovarian and thyroid cancers exhibited positive links, although these did not achieve statistical significance, primarily because of the small number of studies available.

Additional sex differences were observed. Men with metabolic syndrome faced a 38 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer and a 41 percent greater risk of liver cancer.

Women had a 35 percent greater chance of developing colorectal cancer and a 58 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer, with the latter finding considered as limited evidence because of fewer cases observed.

Several explanations exist for the sex difference, with one prominent theory highlighting estrogen. The hormone seems to provide a protective role against chronic, low-level inflammation that connects metabolic issues to cancer, especially in the colon, where estrogen reduces harmful cellular changes caused by poor metabolic health.

Without this brake, individuals could be more susceptible to the cancer-causing impacts of issues such as elevated blood sugar, extra abdominal fat, and irregular cholesterol levels.

Establishing a dose-response link, indicating that the greater number of metabolic abnormalities an individual has, the worse their prognosis, the study revealed that individuals with two elements of metabolic syndrome had 2.6 times lower survival rates for colorectal cancer. Those with three or more components experienced 4.5 times lower survival.

Researchers are still working to fully understand how metabolic syndrome contributes to cancer, but a few important processes have been identified.

Chronic inflammation frequently plays a key role in cancer studies. It acts as an unnoticed, ongoing danger, stimulating the immune system to target normal cells and tissues. Even at minimal levels, prolonged periods of systemic inflammation can result in persistent tiredness and discomfort.

Fat located near internal organs, which some call an apple-shaped body, generates inflammatory substances that can harm DNA and prompt cells to multiply more often than they should.

At the same time, metabolic syndrome disrupts hormonal balance. It reduces the production of adiponectin, a hormone that typically helps guard against inflammation and excessive cell growth.

It also increases insulin resistance, prompting the pancreas to produce higher and higher amounts of insulin. Elevated insulin levels can subsequently serve as a growth promoter for specific cancer cells.

As time passes, this environment provides an ideal setting for tumors to establish themselves, develop, and propagate.

Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting young, healthy individuals, impacting people as young as their early 20s. Approximately 20 percent of CRC cases are now diagnosed in individuals under 55, a significant shift from the typical older patient demographic.

Since the 1990s, the incidence of colorectal cancer in adults under 50 has almost doubled, with occurrences in individuals aged 20 to 39 increasing consistently by two percent annually. This condition has become one of the most fatal cancers among younger adults.

In the meantime, pancreatic cancer, which has traditionally been viewed as a condition affecting older individuals, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger Americans.

The illness usually affects individuals over the age of 65, especially those with prolonged risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, or having type 2 diabetes. Every year, approximately 67,000 Americans receive a diagnosis, and over 52,000 pass away due to this condition.

However, a 2025 study indicates that from 2000 to 2021, the number of diagnoses increased by 4.3 percent each year among individuals aged 15 to 34, and by 1.5 percent annually for those between 35 and 54. Although the total numbers remain low, experts believe this pattern is highly worrying.

James Van Der Beek, most recognized for his performance in Dawson's Creek, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 48 due to colorectal cancer. He was in good physical condition, maintained a healthy lifestyle, and had no prior family history of cancer when he observed a slight alteration in his bowel movements.

He first ignored it, thinking it was just a result of his morning coffee. However, when the symptoms continued, he had a colonoscopy and was found to have stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024 at the age of 47, which falls into the early-onset category diagnosed before the age of 50.

Even with treatment, the cancer proved to be severe. Those close to him mentioned that he ultimately discontinued treatment when medical professionals had no further options. During his last years, Van Der Beek encouraged others to pay attention to symptoms he nearly overlooked.

Metabolic syndrome may be improved by following a nutritious diet—health professionals recommend the anti-inflammatory Mediterranean diet—as well as engaging in regular physical activity, losing weight, managing stress, and completely stopping smoking.

This research has certain constraints. The original studies it examined were frequently of poor quality, featuring varied definitions of metabolic syndrome and significant differences among the studies. Since the data is derived from observational studies, it can demonstrate strong associations but cannot establish that metabolic syndrome directly leads to cancer. Although the evidence regarding cancer risk is reliable, information on survival following diagnosis remains limited.