‘Full House Star Dave Coulier Reveals Tongue Cancer Diagnosis’
Dave Coulier, the actor renowned for his role in “Full House,” has shared news of his recent tongue cancer diagnosis on NBC’s “Today.” This announcement comes nearly seven months after he successfully battled Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Details of the Tongue Cancer Diagnosis
Coulier emphasized that this new diagnosis is completely independent of his previous cancer. He revealed that during a routine PET scan in October, doctors identified P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of his tongue. Despite the challenges, he reassured fans that the prognosis is positive, indicating a 90% curability rate for this type of cancer.
- Cancer Type: P16 squamous carcinoma
- Prognosis: 90% curability rate
- Treatment Plan: 35 rounds of radiation, concluding on December 31
The actor stressed the importance of early detection, attributing his favorable prognosis to timely medical check-ups. “Early detection saved my life,” he noted on the show. He encouraged viewers to prioritize their health through routine screenings, including colonoscopies and breast exams.
Connection to HPV
Coulier’s doctors suggested that the carcinoma might be linked to a previous HPV infection, which can remain dormant for years before potentially activating. “A lot of people carry the HPV virus, but mine turned into a carcinoma,” he explained.
Reflecting on Past Cancer Battles
In November 2024, Coulier was diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He quickly began chemotherapy, admitting that the initial round was daunting. “You hear chemo, and it scares the daylights out of you,” he expressed, recalling his fears about the treatment’s effects.
By March 2025, Coulier celebrated being cancer-free. Reflecting on the chemotherapy experience, he described worsening symptoms with each round, including neuropathy, nausea, and memory issues known as “chemo brain.” His wife, Melissa, recounted how they navigated challenging conversations about his health during treatment.
Outlook on Current Treatment
As Coulier embarks on radiation therapy for his tongue cancer, he noted that while this treatment feels less aggressive than chemotherapy, it still carries its own side effects. “The prognosis is good, but we’re going to start radiation immediately,” he informed his audience.
Coulier’s journey exemplifies the critical nature of early cancer detection and highlights his resilience amid health challenges. Fans and viewers are encouraged to remain vigilant about their health, following the actor’s call to prioritize regular medical check-ups.