Dave Coulier, the actor best known for his role in the television series Full House, has announced that he has been diagnosed with early-stage tongue cancer. This revelation comes just months after he celebrated entering remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma. During a recent interview on NBC’s Today show, Coulier shared that the condition was discovered during a routine follow-up scan.
New Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Coulier, aged 66, explained that doctors found the cancer during a PET scan, which was part of standard check-up procedures. He described the diagnosis as P16 squamous carcinoma located at the base of his tongue. “I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the PET scan,” he said. “It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue.” The actor clarified that this diagnosis is not related to his previous battle with lymphoma.
According to Coulier, the tongue cancer could be linked to 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 added. Despite the challenges ahead, Coulier expressed optimism about his prognosis, noting a curability rate of over 90 percent. He is currently undergoing a treatment plan that includes 35 radiation sessions, scheduled to conclude on December 31.
Emotional Impact and Call for Screening
Discussing the effects of his diagnoses on his family, particularly his wife, Melissa Coulier, Coulier acknowledged the emotional toll of facing two significant health challenges in a short time. “It’s a whole different animal than chemo. It doesn’t feel as aggressive, but there are still side effects,” he reflected on his current treatment.
Despite the setbacks, Coulier is maintaining a positive outlook. “I’m going to get on the other side of this,” he stated confidently. He strongly advocates for early detection, emphasizing that it played a crucial role in his health journey. “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 urged, encouraging others to stay vigilant about screenings such as colonoscopies, prostate exams, and breast exams.
As he embarks on this new chapter in his health journey, Dave Coulier’s resilience and commitment to early detection serve as a reminder of the importance of regular health screenings.
