Dave Coulier Shares Remission News After Cancer Battle

On World Cancer Day, February 4, 2026, Dave Coulier—the beloved comedian and actor best known for his role as Uncle Joey on Full House—delivered an emotional update that resonated with fans and cancer survivors alike. Appearing live on Good Morning America, Coulier, now 66, announced he is officially in remission after a harrowing journey through two unrelated cancer diagnoses: Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma and, most recently, tongue cancer.

For Coulier, the past two years have been nothing short of a "roller coaster ride," as he described it to Good Morning America. In March 2025, he had celebrated remission from Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a victory that had come after months of grueling chemotherapy. But just as he was settling into life post-cancer, another blow struck. During a routine six-month follow-up and PET scan for his lymphoma, doctors noticed a suspicious flare-up at the base of his tongue. Further testing revealed it was p16 squamous cell carcinoma—a form of head and neck cancer often associated with HPV.

"It is a shock to the system," Coulier recalled, speaking to Today in 2024 about his first diagnosis. "To go through chemotherapy and feel that relief of whoa, it’s gone, and then to get a test that says, well now you’ve got another kind of cancer." He admitted that at first, he assumed the new tumor was somehow linked to his lymphoma. However, as he explained on Good Morning America, "Doctors told me the tongue cancer was totally unrelated to my recent bout with lymphoma." That news, while surprising, underscored the randomness and unpredictability of cancer’s reach.

The tongue cancer diagnosis came in December 2025, nearly a year after his battle with lymphoma had ended. Coulier described his shock to PEOPLE, saying, "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." The early detection proved vital to his prognosis, which doctors assured him had a "90% curability rate"—far better odds than his first cancer.

But the treatment was anything but easy. Coulier underwent 35 rounds of radiation, completing his final session on December 31, 2025. He spoke candidly about the toll it took, telling Good Morning America, "[Radiation] has totally different side effects. It can steal parts of your life away from you, psychologically, emotionally and certainly physically. And I wasn’t going to allow cancer to do that." The psychological battle, he admitted, was just as intense as the physical one.

Throughout his ordeal, Coulier leaned heavily on the support of his wife, Melissa Bring, and his longtime friend and Full House co-star, John Stamos. Their unwavering presence kept his spirits afloat during the darkest days. "John flew into Michigan, came and visited us, and made me laugh. 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," Coulier recounted to Good Morning America. He added, "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." That humor, he said, was a lifeline.

Melissa, too, was a constant source of strength. Coulier expressed deep gratitude for her support, especially as he faced the emotional whiplash of back-to-back diagnoses. "The silver lining here is that I had cancer, which helped me detect my other cancer," he reflected on Good Morning America. "It seems crazy to be making that statement, but it’s true."

Even now, with both cancers in remission, Coulier is keenly aware of the lingering psychological impact. "Even though I’m in remission, I feel like cancer’s always in the rear-view mirror behind me," he said. "‘Ehh, you trying to pass me here?’ So early detection really means everything." It’s a sentiment echoed by many cancer survivors—the sense that, while the disease may be physically gone, its shadow never fully disappears.

The experience has fundamentally changed Coulier’s perspective on health and advocacy. "I never wanted to be the poster boy for cancer, believe me," he admitted. "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." He’s become an outspoken advocate for routine screenings and early detection, using his platform to urge others not to put off the checkups that might save their lives.

Medical experts have noted that p16 squamous cell carcinoma, the type of tongue cancer Coulier faced, is often linked to HPV infection, which can remain dormant for years before manifesting as cancer. Early detection, as in Coulier’s case, is crucial for favorable outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, head and neck cancers are often caught late because symptoms can be mistaken for less serious ailments, making regular screenings and vigilance all the more important.

Coulier’s journey has also shed light on the complex emotions faced by cancer patients—especially those who endure more than one diagnosis in quick succession. The sense of relief after remission, only to be followed by another battle, is a reality for many. As Coulier put it, "It’s been a roller coaster ride for sure. I’m in remission with both cancers. And what a journey this has been." His openness about the psychological and emotional challenges of cancer, as well as the importance of humor and support, has resonated with viewers and supporters across the country.

Looking back, Coulier says he never imagined he’d be in this position, but he’s determined to use his story for good. "I feel as though I can help people," he explained. "Now I feel like I can encourage people to get those prostate exams and mammograms. Talk to your doctors and get ahead of this." He hopes his story will inspire others to prioritize their health, seek early screening, and lean on loved ones during tough times.

As World Cancer Day draws to a close, Coulier’s message is clear: cancer can strike anyone, often when least expected, but early detection and the support of family and friends can make all the difference. His journey—marked by resilience, honesty, and a healthy dose of humor—serves as a reminder that even in the face of daunting odds, hope and laughter can light the way forward.