On April 1, Full House star Dave Coulier shared news that he was cancer-free after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2024. Now, he shares devastating news that he’s been diagnosed with tongue cancer.
Dave Coulier was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in November 2024. In April of this year, he joyfully announced that he was cancer-free. However, just a few months later, he has received a diagnosis of a different type of cancer.
During an appearance on Today on Tuesday, the Full House star revealed that he has recently been diagnosed with tongue cancer and is currently receiving treatment.
“This is completely unrelated to the previous cancer I had,” he stated. “In October of this year, I went in for a PET scan, which was just a routine check-up, and something unusual appeared on the scan. It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue. I asked the doctors, ‘Did this occur because of the lymphoma?’ and they confirmed, ‘Totally unrelated.’”
Coulier, who portrayed Uncle Joey on the popular television series, mentioned that the doctors informed him he would need to undergo 35 rounds of radiation.
“I will complete my treatment by December 31,” he said, adding, “The prognosis for P16 squamous carcinoma is very positive, with a curability rate exceeding 90%. The key factor that has truly saved my life is early detection, which has been crucial not only the first time but also the second time. Therefore, I encourage everyone to get their check-ups. Regular colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams can save your life.”
Unfortunately, the cherished actor has a family history of cancer.
“I lost my mother to breast cancer. I lost my sister Sharon to breast cancer when she was just 36 years old. I also lost my niece, Shannon, at the age of 29,” he shared with People Magazine in 2024. Additionally, his older sister Karen was also battling cancer at the same time as him.
“I witnessed the struggles that the women in my family endured, and I thought to myself, ‘If I can be just one-tenth of a percent as strong as they were, then I will be just fine,’” he concluded.
“Prioritize your health, as there is much to live for,” he stated last year. “If that involves consulting with your physicians or scheduling a mammogram, breast examination, or colonoscopy, it can significantly impact your life.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dave Coulier and his family.
