Dave Coulier, the beloved actor renowned for his portrayal of Uncle Joey in the classic sitcom ‘Full House,’ has publicly disclosed a new health challenge: a diagnosis of tongue cancer. This announcement arrives just seven months after the 66-year-old comedian had celebrated being declared cancer-free following successful treatment for stage three non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a blood cancer, in 2024.
In an interview with NBC’s Today show, Coulier provided details about his condition, identified as P16 squamous carcinoma located at the base of his tongue. Medical professionals have assured him of a highly optimistic 90% curability rate for this specific cancer. His treatment regimen involves 35 rounds of radiation therapy, scheduled for completion on December 31st. Coulier was explicit in stating that this new diagnosis is medically distinct and entirely unrelated to his previous bout with lymphoma.
The actor elaborated on the discovery, explaining that the malignancy was detected during a routine PET scan in October. Further investigation revealed the presence of P16, a protein biomarker often associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Coulier shared his doctors’ insight that the cancer could potentially stem from an HPV infection contracted decades prior, noting that while many carry the virus, his had activated and developed into carcinoma.
Emphasizing the critical importance of preventative healthcare, Coulier credited early detection for his positive prognosis. He urged his fans and the public to prioritize regular medical check-ups, including colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams, stating unequivocally that such vigilance saves lives. While acknowledging the side effects of radiation, he contrasted it as a ‘whole different animal’ than the aggressive chemotherapy he previously endured.
Coulier remains a cherished figure in entertainment, having appeared in all 192 episodes of the original ‘Full House’ series from 1987 to 1995 and later reprising his role in the Netflix sequel, ‘Fuller House.’