Warning: This article discusses cancer, which may be distressing to some readers.
Actor Dave Coulier has provided an update on his health after experiencing cancer twice.
Having cancer once is undoubtedly challenging, but Coulier has faced this health issue twice in just two years.
Coulier had previously announced the positive news that he was recovering from stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
However, his celebrations were cut short when he received a diagnosis of a form of tongue cancer soon after.
The 66-year-old Full House star shared his second diagnosis in December, only a few months after being cleared of his first cancer.
He had visited doctors for a six-month checkup, during which a PET scan detected a flare-up where the tongue meets the throat, diagnosed as p16 squamous carcinoma.
Coulier has now given another health update following extensive treatment.
In a conversation with Good Morning America, he shared the uplifting news that he is in remission for both his first and second cancer diagnoses.
He stated: “It’s been a roller coaster ride for sure. I’m in remission with both cancers. And what a journey this has been.”
Despite the challenging times, Coulier reflected on his initial cancer diagnosis with a surprising perspective, expressing that he was ‘thankful’ for it.
He explained to PEOPLE: “It turns out, if I hadn’t had that PET scan, then they wouldn’t have had this early of a detection and I’d have been in […] a world of pain soon.
“So as weird as this sounds, I’m now actually thankful for the first cancer, because it helped me detect this second one.”
Early detection can be crucial in cancer treatment, making home checks and screenings for those at risk vitally important.
The actor also shared how he coped with his ordeal, highlighting a visit from his Full House co-star John Stamos.
“John flew into Michigan, came and visited us, and made me laugh,” he revealed on Good Morning America. “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.
“He got COVID while he was staying with us, so we were like two fifth graders sitting in the hallway, talking to each other with walkie talkies. We’re very mature!”
Now, Coulier is eager to encourage others to keep up with their checkups, stating: “I feel as though I can help people.
“I never wanted to be the poster boy for cancer, believe me. But now I feel like I can encourage people to get those prostate exams and mammograms. Talk to your doctors and get ahead of this.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.