Dave Coulier, renowned for his role in the television series Full House, has revealed that he is battling a new cancer diagnosis. The actor-comedian shared that he has been diagnosed with early-stage tongue cancer, just months after announcing his remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This latest condition was identified during a routine follow-up scan.
In an interview on NBC’s Today show, the 66-year-old explained that doctors discovered the cancer following a PET scan. “I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the PET scan. It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue,” he stated. Coulier emphasized that this diagnosis is independent of his previous cancer, underscoring the importance of early detection.
Coulier noted that the tongue cancer might have been triggered by an HPV virus he contracted up to 30 years ago. “A lot of people carry the HPV virus, but they said mine activated and turned into a carcinoma,” he explained. Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic, citing a curability rate of over 90 percent for his condition.
Current Treatment Plan and Emotional Impact
Coulier is currently undergoing treatment that includes a rigorous schedule of 35 radiation sessions, expected to conclude on December 31. He described the treatment process as “a whole different animal than chemo,” acknowledging that while it may not feel as aggressive, there are still significant side effects.
The emotional toll of facing two cancer diagnoses in such a short span has affected Coulier’s family, particularly his wife, Melissa. He reflected on this impact during the interview, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. Despite the setbacks, Coulier maintains a positive outlook, stating, “I’m going to get on the other side of this.”
Coulier also took the opportunity to advocate for proactive health screenings. He stressed the critical role of early detection in his journey, saying, “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.” He encouraged others to remain diligent about health screenings, including colonoscopies, prostate exams, and breast exams.
Through this challenging experience, Dave Coulier serves as a reminder of the importance of health awareness and the potential for recovery, even in the face of adversity.
