Full House’ star Dave Coulier reveals devastating new cancer diagnosis months after beating lymphoma
The year has taken a sharply emotional and challenging turn for beloved Full House star Dave Coulier,
who has tragically announced he is facing a second, completely separate cancer diagnosis just months after being declared cancer-free from his previous illness.
Coulier, known to millions as the affable Uncle Joey on the hit sitcom, was originally diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in November 2024. In April earlier this year, he shared the joyous news that his treatments had been successful and he was in remission. However, just months later, the actor revealed he is now engaged in a new, unexpected battle with a different type of cancer.
Unrelated Diagnosis at the Base of the Tongue
Appearing on the Today show on Tuesday, the veteran actor disclosed that he was recently diagnosed with tongue cancer and is currently undergoing a rigorous course of treatment.
“Totally unrelated to the previous cancer that I had,” Coulier stated, clarifying the shock of the second diagnosis. He explained the unexpected finding: “So in October of this year, I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the PET scan. It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue.”
He immediately sought clarification from his medical team. “So I said to the doctors, I said, ‘Well, did this happen because of the lymphoma?’ And they said, ‘Totally unrelated.’”
The Power of Early Detection
Coulier revealed that doctors have scheduled him for 35 rounds of radiation therapy. “I’ll be done [on] Dec. 31,” he noted, expressing a firm focus on the finish line. Crucially, he shared an optimistic prognosis for the new diagnosis.
“Prognosis is very good for P16 squamous carcinoma. So it has a 90+ curability rate. But the thing that has really saved my life is that early detection saved my life, not just the first time but the second time as well,” Coulier stressed. This led to his urgent plea to the public: “So I hope you’re getting your check-ups. I hope your colonoscopies and breast exams, and prostate exams, they will save your life.”
Strength Drawn from Family History
The beloved actor has sadly had a painful family history with the disease, a reality he spoke about candidly in 2024. “I lost my mom to breast cancer. I lost my sister Sharon to breast cancer. She was 36 years old. I lost my niece, Shannon. She was 29 years old,” he shared with People Magazine. Meanwhile, his older sister Karen was also simultaneously going through her own cancer journey.
This proximity to suffering provided him with a unique source of strength. “I saw what those women in my family went through, and I thought to myself, ‘If I can be just 1/10th of a percent as strong as they were, then I’m going to be just fine,’” he reflected.
By being openly transparent about his diagnoses, Dave Coulier hopes to leverage his platform to inspire others to be vigilant about their health. “Take great care of yourself, because there’s a lot to live for,” he urged last year. “And if that means talking with your doctors or getting a mammogram or a breast exam or colonoscopy, it can really make a big change in your life.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave Coulier and his family as he bravely tackles this second unexpected health challenge.
