A 25-year-old woman, Paige Seifert, who was diagnosed with the same type of cancer that claimed the life of actor James Van Der Beek, is now sharing her story to raise awareness about the symptoms of the disease. Van Der Beek, 48, battled colorectal cancer for over two years before his passing, receiving tributes from friends like Alfonso Ribeiro.
Paige, an engineer from Denver, Colorado, initially ignored symptoms of blood in her stool, believing them to be related to haemorrhoids. After visiting her doctor multiple times for a misdiagnosis, she was eventually referred to a gastroenterologist who discovered a large mass on her colon. Following further tests, Paige was diagnosed with stage-three colon cancer and underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor.
Despite the emotional challenges, Paige successfully completed her treatment and is now cancer-free. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed gratitude for her active lifestyle, including her love for sports like skiing and mountain climbing, which she believes played a crucial role in her recovery.
Having started chemotherapy in early 2025 and undergoing surgery later that year to remove the tumor and a portion of her colon, Paige recently received positive news that her cancer has been eradicated. While she feels a sense of relief, she remains cautious about potential complications and continues to focus on maintaining her health and well-being through her active pursuits.
Paige emphasized the importance of staying positive and active during difficult times, crediting her passion for sports as a source of strength and resilience throughout her cancer journey.
