Dave Coulier Announces Double Cancer Remission After Challenging Health Battle
Canadian actor and comedian Dave Coulier, best known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the beloved sitcom Full House, has shared uplifting news about his health. In a recent interview with Good Morning America, Coulier revealed that he is now in remission from two different forms of cancer, marking the end of what he describes as a "roller coaster ride" of medical challenges.
A Second Unexpected Diagnosis
Coulier's health journey began with a diagnosis of Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, for which he completed treatment in 2025. However, during a routine checkup for that condition, a PET scan detected an abnormality in his throat. Further investigation through robotic surgery and biopsy confirmed a second, unrelated cancer diagnosis: p16 squamous carcinoma at the base of his tongue.
"It was revealed that I have carcinoma. And totally unrelated," Coulier explained during his television interview. "That PET scan and early detection ... saved my life."
Treatment and Emotional Resilience
To combat the tongue cancer, Coulier underwent 35 radiation treatments in late 2025. He noted that this treatment came with "totally different side effects" compared to his lymphoma therapy. Throughout this challenging period, Coulier maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of laughter and emotional support.
"It can steal parts of your life away from you — psychologically, emotionally and certainly physically," Coulier said about cancer. "And I wasn't going to allow cancer to do that. I was going to laugh my way through it and keep the people that I love close to me and that helps."
Support from Friends and Family
The comedian expressed deep gratitude for the support he received from his family and close friends during his treatment. He specifically mentioned his Full House co-star John Stamos, who traveled to Michigan to visit him during his recovery.
"John flew into Michigan, came and visited us and made me laugh," Coulier recalled. "He's my brother. He wore a bald cap, and when he came around the corner, dressed like that, I dropped to the floor laughing."
Even when Stamos contracted COVID-19 during the visit, the two maintained their connection through creative means, "like two fifth-graders sitting in the hallway, talking to each other with walkie-talkies."
Advocating for Early Detection
Now in remission from both cancers, Coulier has become a vocal advocate for regular health screenings and early detection. While he "never wanted to be a poster boy for cancer," he hopes his experience will encourage others to prioritize their health.
"I hope I can encourage people to get those prostate exams and mammograms and just talk to your doctors and get ahead of this," Coulier emphasized. "Because even though I'm in remission, I feel like cancer is always in the rear-view mirror ... so early detection really means everything."
Coulier's journey highlights the importance of:
- Regular medical checkups and screenings
- Early detection of potential health issues
- Emotional support during medical treatment
- Maintaining a positive outlook during health challenges
The actor's announcement brings hope to others facing similar health battles and serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role that preventive healthcare plays in overall wellbeing.