Actor and comedian Dave Coulier, beloved for his role as Joey Gladstone on Full House, has revealed he’s battling a second, unrelated cancer diagnosis this time, P16 squamous carcinoma, a form of HPV-related tongue cancer.
The shocking news comes just months after Coulier, 66, celebrated being cancer-free following a battle with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which he publicly shared in late 2024.
In a recent interview on NBC’s Today Show, Coulier described the new diagnosis as “a shock to the system,” especially after believing he had beaten his previous illness.
“To go through chemotherapy and feel that relief of ‘Whoa, it’s gone,’ and then to get a test that says, ‘Well, now you’ve got another kind of cancer,’ … it’s a shock,” Coulier shared.
Despite the emotional weight of the news, Coulier remains optimistic. Doctors have assured him that his new cancer has a “90-plus per cent curability rate.”
Overview of Dave Coulier’s Health Journey
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Dave Coulier |
| Known For | Joey Gladstone on Full House (ABC/Netflix) |
| Age | 66 |
| First Cancer Diagnosis | Stage 3 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (Nov 2024) |
| Second Diagnosis | P16 Squamous Carcinoma (HPV-related tongue cancer) |
| Diagnosis Date | October 2025 |
| Treatment Plan | 35 rounds of radiation therapy |
| Prognosis | Excellent – 90% curability rate |
| Expected Completion of Treatment | December 31, 2025 |
| Public Message | Early detection saves lives; prioritize health screenings |
How the Second Cancer Was Discovered?
Coulier revealed that his second cancer diagnosis was discovered accidentally during a routine follow-up PET scan, a standard checkup after his lymphoma remission.
“I went in for a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something flared on the scan,” Coulier explained. “It turned out I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue.”
Initially, a biopsy showed no cancer cells, leading Coulier and his doctors to believe the issue was benign. However, when he returned for another PET scan months later, the spot had grown, confirming a new, unrelated cancer.
“So I said to the doctors, ‘Did this happen because of the lymphoma?’ And they said, ‘Totally unrelated,’” Coulier said.
What Is P16 Squamous Carcinoma?
P16 squamous carcinoma is a form of oropharyngeal cancer that typically affects the base of the tongue, tonsils, and throat area. It is most commonly associated with HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection.
According to the American Cancer Society, the P16 protein is a marker for HPV-related cancers. Coulier’s doctors told him that his cancer may have developed from an HPV infection he contracted decades ago.
“A lot of people carry the HPV virus,” Coulier said. “But mine activated and turned into a carcinoma.”
The good news? HPV-positive throat cancers tend to respond very well to treatment, leading to a survival rate exceeding 90% for early-stage cases.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cancer Name | P16 Squamous Carcinoma |
| Location | Base of the tongue (oropharyngeal region) |
| Cause | Linked to HPV infection |
| Stage | Early-stage, localized |
| Curability Rate | 90%+ with early treatment |
| Treatment Type | Radiation therapy (35 sessions) |
| Detected By | PET scan follow-up after lymphoma remission |
From Lymphoma Survivor to Second Cancer Fighter
In November 2024, Coulier announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. He immediately began chemotherapy and publicly shared updates about his journey, emphasising resilience and faith.
By March 2025, doctors declared him cancer-free. However, his remission celebration was short-lived.
“I had just started feeling normal again,” Coulier told Today. “To get hit with another diagnosis — it’s emotionally draining.”
Still, Coulier says the first battle prepared him mentally for this new challenge.
“I learned that attitude is everything,” he said. “If you can find humor in even the hardest times, it gives you strength.”
“Early Detection Saved My Life — Twice”
Throughout his interviews, Coulier repeatedly stressed the importance of early detection and routine screenings. He credits his follow-up PET scans with saving his life — not once, but twice.
“Early detection saved my life, not just the first time but the second time as well,” he emphasized. “Had I not listened to my doctors, we would’ve never found this carcinoma — and I could be in a world of hurt.”
Coulier urged viewers to stay proactive with their health.
“Please get your check-ups,” he said. “Get your colonoscopies, mammograms, prostate exams — they will save your life.”
The Emotional Toll on His Family
Coulier acknowledged that the back-to-back diagnoses have been particularly hard on his loved ones, especially his wife, Melissa Bring.
“It’s psychologically draining,” he admitted. “It’s a big drain on my wife, Melissa. Seeing how it affects her — that’s the hardest part.”
The couple, who married in 2014, have leaned on their shared humor and faith to get through the difficult year.
“She’s been my rock through all of this,” Coulier said. “We’re both trying to focus on the positives — the great prognosis, the incredible doctors, and the fact that we caught it early.”
Coulier’s Message of Hope and Positivity
Despite enduring two life-threatening diagnoses within a year, the Full House star remains upbeat and grateful. He shared that laughter, faith, and perspective are helping him stay strong through treatment.
“The silver lining is that having cancer the first time helped me detect the second one,” he said. “It sounds crazy, but it’s true. Because I followed up and listened to my doctors, we caught this early.”
Coulier’s positive outlook and openness have inspired fans across social media. Messages of support have poured in from his former Full House castmates and fans around the world.
“Dave’s strength and humor are contagious,” said a close friend from the cast. “He’s facing this with the same warmth and grace we all know him for.”
Looking Ahead: Treatment and Recovery
Coulier is currently undergoing 35 rounds of radiation therapy for his tongue cancer and expects to finish treatment by December 31, 2025.
His doctors are confident in his recovery, and he remains focused on returning to work and enjoying life with his family in the new year.
| Next Steps | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Treatment | Radiation therapy (35 sessions) |
| Treatment End Date | December 31, 2025 |
| Medical Team | Oncology specialists in Los Angeles |
| Current Outlook | Excellent; high probability of complete recovery |
| Public Updates | Occasional health updates on social media |
Expert Perspective on Dual Cancer Diagnoses
Medical experts note that while developing two unrelated cancers within a year is uncommon, it can happen, particularly as PET scans detect new abnormalities early.
“In Coulier’s case, it’s fortunate that both cancers were found early,” said Dr. Elaine Matthews, an oncologist at Cedars-Sinai. “With P16 squamous carcinoma, early intervention often leads to full recovery.”
Coulier’s story, she adds, is a powerful reminder that follow-up screenings are vital even after remission.
Why Dave Coulier’s Story Matters?
Dave Coulier’s journey resonates deeply with fans because it combines vulnerability with resilience. Known for his humor and kindness, the actor has chosen to use his platform to raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.
His message is simple but powerful: listen to your doctors, never skip your screenings, and stay positive.
“It’s been emotional,” he said. “But I’m confident I’ll get on the other side of this.”
FAQs
He has P16 squamous carcinoma, an early-stage, HPV-related tongue cancer.
No. Doctors confirmed it is totally unrelated to his non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Excellent — the cancer has a 90%+ curability rate.
Coulier is undergoing 35 rounds of radiation therapy, expected to end on December 31, 2025.
He urges everyone to stay proactive with health checkups, emphasising that early detection saved his life twice.
Coulier admits it’s been emotionally taxing, but his wife Melissa has been a constant source of support.
