Dave Coulier Opens Up About His Cancer Journey: Diagnosis and Beyond
Since revealing his stage III non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in November 2024, Dave Coulier has been open about his health journey, treatment, and outlook following his second diagnosis.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that impacts the lymphatic system, characterized by the abnormal growth of “white blood cells called lymphocytes [which] can form tumors throughout the body,” as described by the Mayo Clinic. With the support of his wife Melissa Bring, Coulier has trusted in his doctors’ “very specific plan for treatment” of his cancer.
“That was a deliberate choice on my part — to confront this head-on and share that it’s a part of my life,” Coulier mentioned in a November 2024 episode of his “Full House Rewind” podcast following his announcement. “I refuse to hide anything. I’d rather discuss it openly and inspire others.”
His treatment is ongoing, with the initial plan for him to finish chemotherapy by February 2025 and achieve “total remission.”
Melissa shared in January 2025 that the treatment is weighing heavily on Coulier.
“He has some incredibly tough days, and as the chemotherapy progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult,” Bring stated in an interview with WXYZ published on January 23.
She mentioned that on good days, they celebrate with dance parties featuring their dogs.
Continue reading to discover everything Coulier has shared about his cancer journey.
Coping with His Diagnosis
Coulier’s initial diagnosis came in October 2024, following a severe upper-respiratory infection that caused significant lymph node swelling. When one lymph node grew to the size of a golf ball, he underwent PET and CT scans and a biopsy, which confirmed cancer.
“I went from thinking I just had a mild cold to discovering I had cancer, and it was quite overwhelming,” he told People. “This has been a rapid and intense journey.”
Good Days and Bad Days
Coulier elaborated on the highs and lows he experiences, noting that on good days, he can even skate.
“Some days bring nausea and dizziness, while others, when the steroids kick in, I feel energized,” he shared with People. “Just yesterday, I skated with friends in Detroit. It was a joy to engage in something I love and focus on the positives in my life.”
Early Detection
As he navigates his own battle, Coulier is using his platform to highlight the significance of early detection.
“Life is precious, and if that involves discussing your health with your doctors or scheduling a mammogram, breast exam, or colonoscopy, it can truly alter your life,” he remarked, according to People.
Since his diagnosis, he’s heard from many who felt inspired to get check-ups.
“So many people have reached out, saying they are motivated by my story to talk with their doctors about mammograms, colonoscopies, or prostate exams,” Coulier shared via Instagram in November 2024. “I will continue to find humor, even in adversity.”
His Prognosis
Coulier remains optimistic about his recovery after a bone marrow test following his diagnosis returned negative results.
“At that moment, my chances of achieving a cure skyrocketed into the 90 percent range,” he noted. “That was a fantastic day.”
Informing the Full House Cast
Coulier wanted his TV family from Full House to learn about his diagnosis directly from him.
“I didn’t want them to hear it through the grapevine, so I sent out a text,” Coulier recalled. “It was heartwarming to receive an outpouring of support: ‘I’ll be there for you. Just name the time, and I know you’re in wonderful hands with [wife Melissa Bring]. How can we help?’ Our bond is truly remarkable; we’ve supported each other for so many years.”
John Stamos Wearing a Bald Cap
Upon hearing of Coulier’s diagnosis, Stamos visited wearing a bald cap as a gesture of support. The duo posted a photo on Instagram, garnering a mix of encouragement and negativity, with some criticizing Stamos for not shaving his real hair.
“It’s regrettable to see negative comments as I commence my cancer journey,” Coulier expressed via Instagram on November 19. “This is how John and I navigate this tough time. Humor is my way to cope and John brought laughter when he showed up in a bald cap — a true loving friend and brother.”
The ‘Constant Fight’
On a January 2025 episode of his “Full House Rewind” podcast, Coulier described his treatment as a “constant fight.”
“The side effects come with their own side effects,” he noted. “Then you take medication to counteract those, leading to an endless cycle where your body is in survival mode, trying to adapt to the effects of steroids and the chemotherapy mix.”
“It’s an internal battle,” he added.
Facing Mortality
“Everyone’s mind eventually goes to that place,” he admitted in a March 2025 interview with Parade. “It’s an inevitable part of life’s reality — ‘This is serious’ and ‘What if the worst happens?’ I’ve witnessed it often within my family.”
Melissa recalled their “difficult” discussions during this time.
“After the fifth round of chemotherapy, he expressed, ‘I’m uncertain if I can endure this again,’” she shared. “He indicated, ‘I’m prepared for either outcome. If it’s my time, so be it, but I also want to stay.’”
Receiving a Second Diagnosis
Following his victory over non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Coulier announced in December 2025 that he was faced with a second cancer diagnosis.
“Experiencing chemotherapy and feeling the relief of ‘Wow, it’s gone,’ only to be told, ‘Now you have another type of cancer’…it’s a shock to the system,” he told the Today Show, discussing his newly diagnosed HPV-related oropharyngeal tongue cancer. “The doctors assured me this is entirely separate from my non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s a new cancer. … I was stunned.”
The American Cancer Society notes that P16 is a marker for HPV, or human papillomavirus. P16-positive cancers arise from infections with HPV-16, a high-risk variant of HPV. (The National Cancer Institute states that HPV-16 is sexually transmitted, and persistent infection may lead to cellular changes that provoke cancer.)
“They suggested it could originate from having the HPV virus up to three decades ago. Many people carry the HPV virus, but they indicated mine was activated and evolved into a carcinoma,” Coulier explained. “Fortunately, we detected it early enough for it to be very treatable. … It boasts a 90 percent cure rate.”
Coulier’s medical team has reassured him that “the prognosis is promising,” and he mentioned he was “set to begin radiation therapy immediately.” He is currently undergoing radiation treatments, totaling 35 sessions, five days a week until year-end.
