James Van Der Beek he expresses some pointed thoughts after revealing his diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

In an Instagram post on Sunday, Nov. 3, the 47-year-old star shared her health news exclusively with PEOPLEapologized to loved ones who had to learn of his diagnosis so suddenly through the media.

“It’s cancer… Every year, about 2 billion people around the world get this diagnosis. And I am one of them,” Van Der Beek began. “There’s no playbook on how to announce these things, but I plan to talk about it at length with People magazine at some point soon … to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms . But that plan had to be altered early on. morning when I was informed that a tabloid would run the news.”

Detailing that he’s “dealt with it privately so far, getting treatment and taking care of my overall health more than ever before,” the actor continued: “I’m in a good place and I feel strong. It was quite an initiation. and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”

“I apologize to all the people in my life that I had planned to tell me. Nothing about this process has happened on my preferred timeline… But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, heading towards a destiny greater than ourselves. would have been discovered without divine intervention,” Van Der Beek concluded. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support. More to come…”

Along with the statement, Van Der Beek shared a video compilation of photos of himself alone and with his children, set to “Autumn Breeze” by Richard LaForge.

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In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE on Sunday, Nov. 3, Van Der Beek shared the health news.

“I have colorectal cancer. I have dealt with this diagnosis privately and taken steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said in an exclusive statement.

“There are reasons for optimism and I feel good,” he said Varsity Blues star added.

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

Van Der Beek has been active as he navigates his care despite his diagnosis.

He recently appeared in an episode of Walker and he is going to play On the sidelines: QB and mea Tubi original movie released on November 29. Van Der Beek also prioritized time with his family – his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and theirs six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Next month, Van Der Beek is set to appear on The real Full Montya two-hour special in which a group of male celebrities incl Taye DiggsKansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and for a long time Dancing with the stars judge Bruno Tonioli will strip to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research.

The event, inspired by the 1997 Oscar-nominated film The Full Montywill be executive produced by Anthony Anderson.

The real Full Monty will premiere on December 9.