Full House star Dave Coulier reveals new cancer diagnosis months after last round of chemo

Dave Coulier has revealed a new cancer diagnosis, months after completing treatment for stage three non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system.

Speaking on Tuesday’s episode of the Today show, the Full House alum, 66, announced he was diagnosed with p16 squamous carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer.

He explained that the cancer was found during a routine check-up and a PET scan, and was not related to his previous cancer diagnosis.

“So in October of this year, 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. So I said to the doctors, I said, ‘Well, did this happen because of the lymphoma?’ And they said, ‘Totally unrelated.’”

His current course of treatment will have him undergo 35 rounds of radiation, with the course being completed on December 31.

When asked about the prognosis by Craig Melvin, Coulier explained that there is a high success rate, noting how lucky he was to have it detected early.

“Prognosis is very good for P16 squamous carcinoma,” he said. “So it has a 90+ curability rate. But 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. So I hope you’re getting your check-ups. I hope your colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams they will save your life.”

Last year, Coulier revealed on the Today show that he had been diagnosed with a “very aggressive” form of stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Coulier said he first discovered symptoms several months prior when he got a cold and then found a large lump on his groin. “It swelled up immediately,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘Wow, I’m either really sick, or my body’s really reacting to something.’”

He visited the doctor, who shared the shocking diagnosis with him.

“The first thing I said to them was, ‘Wait a minute – cancer?’” he said. “[I was] feeling like I got punched in the stomach because it never happens to you. You always hear about it happening to someone else.”

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