Joshua Jackson is offering fans a heartfelt update on James Van Der Beek’s health following his recent colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Appearing on The Jennifer Hudson Show on April 28, the Doctor Odyssey star, 46, revealed that the cast of Dawson’s Creek has reconnected since Van Der Beek, 48, publicly disclosed his cancer journey in November 2024.

“It’s not really my story to tell,” Jackson shared, “but the latest round of treatment was doing well. So he’s doing a little bit better, but it is obviously very, very scary.”

Dawson’s Creek Cast Rallies Around Van Der Beek

Jackson explained that Van Der Beek’s diagnosis has “brought the whole gang back together,” including Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Busy Philipps. The cast now stays in touch via a group text, offering support and encouragement as their longtime friend undergoes treatment.

“He has a large, young family,” Jackson noted, referring to Van Der Beek’s six children with wife Kimberly Van Der Beek. “Thoughts, prayers, and anything that can be done for him and his family.”

Van Der Beek Reflects on Cast Reconnection

Speaking on the Whine Down with Jana Kramer podcast in March, Van Der Beek confirmed that the cast has been in touch more frequently.

“We just didn’t speak for years because we’re all living our lives,” he said. “It’s been so great to reconnect and be like, ‘Oh wow, I love who you’ve become.’”

Jackson Details Behind-the-Scenes Bond

On a recent episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s podcast Dinner’s On Me, Jackson elaborated on how the cast came together to support Van Der Beek.

“James is going through something really, truly terrible right now,” he said. “The girls all got together and said, ‘We need to do something to help him out.’”

Jackson also reflected on his enduring relationships with his Dawson’s Creek co-stars:

• “Busy and Michelle are very, very close.”

• “Katie and I are very close.”

“There are moments in life, and unless you’re married to them, no one else quite understands what it was like,” Jackson added, describing the close-knit bonds formed during the show’s six-season run.

A Difficult Diagnosis and a Supportive Circle

Van Der Beek revealed to PEOPLE in November 2024 that he had been privately battling colorectal cancer. Since then, public and private support from his former co-stars has been a meaningful part of his journey.

As fans of Dawson’s Creek continue to express concern and send well-wishes, the enduring friendships formed during the show’s iconic run remain a powerful reminder of the cast’s deep connection—on and off screen.