Dave Coulier, star of Full House, receives tongue cancer diagnosis

Actor Dave Coulier, famous for his role in the US sitcom Full House, has shared that he has been diagnosed with tongue cancer. This announcement comes seven months after Coulier, 66, informed fans that he was cancer-free following his 2024 diagnosis of stage three non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

Speaking to NBC's Today show, Coulier stated that his tongue cancer has a 90% chance of being cured. He added that he is undergoing 35 sessions of radiation, scheduled to conclude on December 31. Coulier emphasized that this new diagnosis is completely unrelated to his previous lymphoma.

Coulier is best known for portraying Joey Gladstone, also known as "Uncle Joey," on Full House, which aired on ABC from 1987 to 1995. The sitcom followed widower Danny Tanner, who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse and friend Joey to help raise his three daughters. Coulier appeared in all 192 episodes and later reprised his role in the 2016 Netflix reboot Fuller House, which ran for five seasons.

In November 2024, Coulier announced his stage three non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and immediately began chemotherapy. Earlier this year, he confirmed he was cancer-free. However, during a routine PET scan in October, doctors discovered a new growth at the base of his tongue. The actor explained, "It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue," and clarified that his doctors confirmed it was unrelated to his previous lymphoma.

P16 carcinoma, also known as oropharyngeal tongue cancer, is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Coulier mentioned that his doctors believe the cancer could have developed from an HPV infection he contracted decades ago, saying: "A lot of people carry the HPV virus, but mine activated and turned into a carcinoma."

Coulier stressed the importance of early detection, saying: "The prognosis is very good for P16 squamous carcinoma, with a 90% curability rate. What has really saved my life is early detection, not just the first time but the second time as well. I hope everyone stays up to date with their check-ups, including colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate examsthey can save your life."

Regarding his treatment, he added: "The doctor said the prognosis is good, but we are starting radiation immediately. Its a different experience than chemotherapy; it doesnt feel as aggressive, though there are still side effects."

Author: Sophia Brooks