Full House star Dave Coulier diagnosed with tongue cancer

December 2, 2025

Dave Coulier, the 66-year-old actor famous for portraying Uncle Joey on the sitcom Full House, has revealed he is battling tongue cancer just months after recovering from non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Medical professionals discovered the new malignancy, identified as P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of his tongue, during a routine scan in October and confirmed it is unrelated to his previous blood cancer diagnosis. Doctors believe the tongue cancer may have developed from an HPV virus that could have been dormant in his system for up to three decades.

Who is affected

Dave Coulier (actor, age 66)
People who carry the HPV virus (referenced as a broader affected group)
Fans and viewers of Full House/Fuller House

What action is being taken

Coulier is undergoing 35 rounds of radiation treatment scheduled to end on December 31st
Coulier is receiving routine medical check-ups and PET scans

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of regular medical screenings and early cancer detection, which Coulier credits with saving his life twice. It also raises awareness about HPV-related cancers that can develop decades after initial viral exposure, and demonstrates that cancer survivors remain at risk for developing unrelated secondary cancers. Coulier's public disclosure helps destigmatize cancer discussions and encourages others to pursue preventive medical care including colonoscopies, breast exams, and prostate exams.

What's next

Coulier's radiation treatment will conclude on December 31st

Read full article from source: BBC