Dave Coulier, best known for his role in the beloved television series Full House, has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage tongue cancer. This news comes just months after the actor-comedian shared that he had entered remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During a recent appearance on NBC’s Today show, Coulier discussed the circumstances surrounding his diagnosis.
Details of the Diagnosis
The 66-year-old actor revealed that the condition was discovered during a routine follow-up scan. “I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the PET scan,” he explained. The results indicated that he has P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of his tongue. Coulier emphasized that this diagnosis is distinct from the lymphoma he fought last year.
According to Coulier, doctors informed him that the carcinoma could be linked to the HPV virus, which he may have had for up to 30 years. “A lot of people carry the HPV virus, but they said mine activated and turned into a carcinoma,” he noted.
Treatment and Prognosis
Despite the challenges ahead, Coulier remains optimistic about his prognosis, citing a curability rate of more than 90 percent. He is currently undergoing a treatment plan that includes 35 radiation sessions, which are set to conclude on December 31. Discussing the treatment process, he described it as “a whole different animal than chemo,” noting that while it does not feel as aggressive, there are still side effects.
The emotional impact of two cancer diagnoses in quick succession has been significant for Coulier and his family, particularly for his wife, Melissa. Despite the toll, he maintains a positive outlook, stating, “I’m going to get on the other side of this.” He emphasized the importance of early detection, declaring, “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 encourages others to take health screenings seriously, advocating for regular checks such as colonoscopies, prostate exams, and breast exams. By sharing his experience, he hopes to raise awareness about the importance of early detection in combating cancer.
