Former Disney star shares positive cancer screening after James Van Der Beek’s death encourages check up

Christy Carlson Romano revealed that she may have 'stageable cancer' in a tearful new video.

The former child actor, who rose to fame on Disney shows such as Even Stevens and Kim Possible, and Vulnerable podcast host shared the news on Instagram.

Romano explained that she and her husband, Brendan Rooney, had undergone preventative cancer screenings due to both her parents being diagnosed with the disease.

"The other day I took this cancer screening," she explained, before tearfully revealing that while her husband's results had come back negative, hers hadn't.

"I got the results back a little bit before filming down in Florida [last December]," she said, pausing for a moment, before adding: "Mine did not come back negative.

"So basically what that means is, I may have stageable cancer."

The 42-year-old, who is a resident of Austin, Texas, went on to explain that she'd been in contact with Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek prior to his death from cancer.

It was announced that Van Der Beek had passed away at the age of 48 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in August 2023.

Romano went on to reveal that Van Der Beek's diagnosis was part of what inspired her to undergo testing, adding: "I was able to meet James Van Der Beek a bunch. His family is amazing, he was a pillar of our community in Texas.

"They were always raising money for the most amazing charities and... he's not with us any more, which is why I got this test."

The mother-of-two went on to reveal that she is now waiting to undergo further testing, which includes a positron emission tomography (PET) scan later this week, and was trying to focus on other projects, such as filming and working on a memoir, in the meantime.

Romano acknowledged that her post may come off as 'overreacting' but stressed that, as a parent, she was concerned for her future. "I'm sure people think I'm overreacting but I'm not because cancer's pretty f***ing serious and I have two little girls," she said.

"Right now the news is that something is going on. I’m nervous and a bit scared (heck who wouldn’t be!)," Romano added in the caption.

"I debated whether or not I was going to post this because I was afraid I’d come off “cringe.” But I decided it was my duty to share, so that people get out there and get screenings. Let’s keep the good vibes going and I will keep you all posted as I get more information."

Romano has since received an outpouring of love from friends, family and followers, with several people praising her for being open with the news.

"Praying for you. Stay encouraged that modern medicine got you a possible early diagnosis. Sending so much love," wrote one follower, while a second penned: "My thoughts and prayers are with you! You are going to beat this no matter what! You got this!"

"You got this my beautiful wife. We will figure this out and destroy any problem that comes your way," added Romano's husband, Brendan Rooney. "I love you beyond words."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.