Beloved television actor Dave Coulier, best known for his role in the hit sitcom Full House, has shared a sobering health update, revealing a diagnosis of tongue cancer. This news comes just seven months after he was declared cancer-free from a previous battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A Second, Unrelated Cancer Battle
The 66-year-old star explained the situation during an emotional interview on NBC's Today show. Coulier was first diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer, in October 2024. After undergoing treatment, he received the all-clear in March 2025.
However, during a routine follow-up PET scan in October 2025, doctors discovered a new issue. "Something flared on the PET scan," Coulier stated. Further tests confirmed he has P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of his tongue. Medical professionals have assured him this new cancer is "totally unrelated" to his lymphoma.
Treatment and a Positive Prognosis
Despite the shocking news, there is a significant silver lining. Coulier's new diagnosis carries a much more favourable outlook. He told Today co-host Craig Melvin that this specific type of tongue cancer has a 90 per cent curability rate.
His treatment plan involves undergoing 35 rounds of radiation, which he expects to complete by the end of this year. The actor emphasised that his survival hinged on one crucial factor: early detection.
"The thing that has really saved my life, Craig, is that early detection saved my life, not just the first time but the second time as well," he said passionately. He urged viewers to prioritise their health screenings, including colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams.
Reflecting on a Previous Health Scare
Coulier also recounted a frightening episode during his final round of chemotherapy for lymphoma earlier in the year. What he initially thought was a common cold nearly derailed his recovery.
"My blood levels were so low because after chemo treatment, red blood cells dive. Your immune system just kind of crashes," he explained. The cold, which was later identified as a rhinovirus, led to a four-day hospital stay where he required intravenous antibiotics.
This experience underscored the vulnerability of patients undergoing intense cancer treatments and the importance of vigilant medical care.
Dave Coulier's candid disclosure serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of health and the critical importance of regular medical check-ups for early cancer detection.
