Veteran actor and comedian Dave Coulier has revealed he is battling a second, distinct form of cancer — just months after being declared cancer-free. During an appearance on the Today show on December 2, Coulier announced that a routine PET scan conducted in October flagged abnormalities at the base of his tongue. Subsequent testing confirmed the diagnosis: p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma, a form of tongue (or oropharyngeal) cancer.
A Stark Turn After Victory
Coulier’s renewed health crisis comes just eight months after he finished treatment for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In March 2025, after months of chemotherapy, the actor was declared cancer-free — a moment celebrated by friends, family, and fans alike.
In describing the second diagnosis, Coulier made clear that the tongue cancer is “totally unrelated” to the lymphoma he battled last year.
Treatment and Prognosis
Coulier said he has begun a course of 35 targeted radiation treatments, scheduled to conclude by December 31. Despite the setback, he expressed cautious optimism — medical professionals have told him the prognosis for p16-positive squamous carcinoma is “very good,” especially when detected early, with curability rates exceeding 90 percent.
During his announcement, Coulier urged others to prioritize routine screenings and check-ups — stressing that early detection saved his life twice.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Far from retreating in despair, Coulier says this second cancer diagnosis has deepened his resolve to advocate for health awareness and proactive care. Over the last year — amid treatments and recovery — he launched an online marketplace dedicated to “non-toxic” living, inspired by his own cancer journey.
As he continues radiation therapy, Coulier remains resilient — leveraging his public platform to remind people to get screened, stay vigilant, and treat their health with seriousness and compassion.
