Dave Kulye spoke about his battle with cancer and his new diagnosis
2 december 2025 в 19:13
Dave Coulier, best known for his role as carefree character Joey Gladstone on the show «Full House», - announced that in November 2024, he was diagnosed with «stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma"—about a month after he learned about his illness and began treatment.
Recalling how he found out about his condition, Dave told People magazine, «The doctors called back and said, 'We wish we could give you better news, but you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and it’s the B-cell type, which is very aggressive.'»
«I went from a cold to cancer, and it was quite overwhelming», - he shared with the publication. «It was a really fast and tumultuous journey».
After he overcame the illness, Dave learned that he had tongue cancer, which he revealed in an interview on the Today show in December 2025.
Find out how Dave is feeling now and more about his health below.
Earlier, speaking with People, Dave explained how he learned about his non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
«When I first got that news, I was in shock, of course, because I didn’t expect it, and then reality set in, and I found myself remarkably calm, regardless of what the outcome would be», - the actor said. «I don’t know how to explain it, but there was a calmness inside me, and I think that’s part of what I saw in the women in my family. They really instilled that in me and inspired me because they were magnificent going through all of this, and I just thought, 'I can handle this too.' I’ve had an incredible life surrounded by amazing people, and I’m okay. It definitely changes your perspective».
Dave added that his wife Melissa Brin and their children «had a very specific plan for how they were going to handle this». Since the test for cancer cells in his bone marrow came back negative, the comedian said his «chances of recovery went from low to 90 percent. And that was a great day».
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in the body’s lymphatic system, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is part of the human immune system that fights off germs. White blood cells known as «lymphocytes» grow abnormally, which can lead to tumors throughout the body.
Dave learned about his cancer diagnosis in October 2024, he told People. Two weeks later, he began chemotherapy. Now that he has gone through a significant part of his treatment, the Detroit native admitted that he has «good» and «bad» days.
«Some days I feel nauseous and dizzy, and on other days, when the steroids kick in, I feel a surge of energy», - he explained.
A year later, Dave reported that he had beaten his stage 3 lymphoma but discovered he had tongue cancer.
«Completely unrelated to the previous cancer», - Dave began during an appearance on the Today show in December 2025. «So, in October of this year, I had a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something showed up on the PET scan. It turned out I had P16 squamous cell carcinoma at the base of my tongue. I asked the doctors, 'Did this happen because of the lymphoma?' And they said, 'Absolutely not related.'»
Dave explained that he needs to undergo 35 sessions of radiation therapy, which he will complete by December 31, 2025.
Despite the grim news, Dave noted that his prognosis was positive.
«The prognosis is very good for P16 squamous cell carcinoma», - the actor continued. «It has over a 90% chance of being cured. But what really saved my life was the early detection, which saved me not just the first time but the second time as well. So I hope you are getting your check-ups. I hope your colonoscopies, mammograms, and prostate exams save your life»
Recalling how he found out about his condition, Dave told People magazine, «The doctors called back and said, 'We wish we could give you better news, but you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and it’s the B-cell type, which is very aggressive.'»
«I went from a cold to cancer, and it was quite overwhelming», - he shared with the publication. «It was a really fast and tumultuous journey».
After he overcame the illness, Dave learned that he had tongue cancer, which he revealed in an interview on the Today show in December 2025.
Find out how Dave is feeling now and more about his health below.
Earlier, speaking with People, Dave explained how he learned about his non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
«When I first got that news, I was in shock, of course, because I didn’t expect it, and then reality set in, and I found myself remarkably calm, regardless of what the outcome would be», - the actor said. «I don’t know how to explain it, but there was a calmness inside me, and I think that’s part of what I saw in the women in my family. They really instilled that in me and inspired me because they were magnificent going through all of this, and I just thought, 'I can handle this too.' I’ve had an incredible life surrounded by amazing people, and I’m okay. It definitely changes your perspective».
Dave added that his wife Melissa Brin and their children «had a very specific plan for how they were going to handle this». Since the test for cancer cells in his bone marrow came back negative, the comedian said his «chances of recovery went from low to 90 percent. And that was a great day».
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as NHL) is a type of cancer that starts in the body’s lymphatic system, according to the Mayo Clinic. This is part of the human immune system that fights off germs. White blood cells known as «lymphocytes» grow abnormally, which can lead to tumors throughout the body.
Dave learned about his cancer diagnosis in October 2024, he told People. Two weeks later, he began chemotherapy. Now that he has gone through a significant part of his treatment, the Detroit native admitted that he has «good» and «bad» days.
«Some days I feel nauseous and dizzy, and on other days, when the steroids kick in, I feel a surge of energy», - he explained.
A year later, Dave reported that he had beaten his stage 3 lymphoma but discovered he had tongue cancer.
«Completely unrelated to the previous cancer», - Dave began during an appearance on the Today show in December 2025. «So, in October of this year, I had a PET scan, just a routine check-up, and something showed up on the PET scan. It turned out I had P16 squamous cell carcinoma at the base of my tongue. I asked the doctors, 'Did this happen because of the lymphoma?' And they said, 'Absolutely not related.'»
Dave explained that he needs to undergo 35 sessions of radiation therapy, which he will complete by December 31, 2025.
Despite the grim news, Dave noted that his prognosis was positive.
«The prognosis is very good for P16 squamous cell carcinoma», - the actor continued. «It has over a 90% chance of being cured. But what really saved my life was the early detection, which saved me not just the first time but the second time as well. So I hope you are getting your check-ups. I hope your colonoscopies, mammograms, and prostate exams save your life»
© Artemenko Olga
