Dave Coulier, known for his role in the series *Full House*, has shared the heartbreaking news of a new cancer diagnosis, following a previous recovery from a different form of the disease.
Coulier recently disclosed that he had successfully battled stage 3 non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, only to face another diagnosis shortly after.
The actor explained that the second diagnosis, a p16 squamous carcinoma affecting the head and neck, was unrelated to his initial battle and was discovered during a routine PET scan and checkup.
Following this recent diagnosis, Coulier has spoken out about the critical factor he credits for his positive outlook.
During an interview on *Today*, co-anchor Craig Melvin asked Coulier about the condition.
Coulier responded, “Prognosis is very good for P16 squamous carcinoma, so it has a 90+ curability rate.”
He further explained what he believes to be life-saving: “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.”
Coulier encourages others to undergo regular health screenings if they notice potential symptoms of cancer.
“I hope you’re getting your check-ups,” Coulier advised. “I hope your colonoscopies and breast exams and prostate exams, they will save your life.”
Clarifying how he received his second diagnosis, Coulier stated it was ‘totally unrelated to the previous cancer.’
He explained, “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. It turned out that I have P16 squamous carcinoma at the base of my tongue.”
Inquiring if the lymphoma was linked to this new diagnosis, he was informed by doctors that it was “Totally unrelated.”
Coulier had previously shared with PEOPLE in 2024 the heartbreaking losses of his mother, his 36-year-old sister Sharon, and his 29-year-old niece Shannon to breast cancer.
Additionally, during his own illness, his elder sister Karen also battled cancer.
Reflecting on his resilience through his health challenges, Coulier stated, “I saw what those women in my family went through, and I thought to myself, ‘If I can be just 1/10th of a percent as strong as they were, then I’m going to be just fine.'”