Dave Coulier’s aggressive blood cancer: An oncologist shares what to know
Dave Coulier, best known for his role as Joey Gladstone in the hit TV show “Full House,” announced on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The 65-year-old actor and comedian shared that he received the devastating news in October after experiencing an upper respiratory infection that caused major swelling in his lymph nodes.
In an interview with People magazine, Coulier revealed that his doctors informed him that he has an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called B cell lymphoma. This type of blood cancer originates in the white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which are a crucial part of the body’s immune system. Every year, over 80,000 Americans are diagnosed with NHL, making it a relatively common form of cancer.
Dr. Joshua Strauss, an attending hematologist and medical oncologist, explained that non-Hodgkin lymphomas are a diverse group of white blood cell cancers that can vary in terms of aggressiveness. Patients with aggressive types of NHL may experience rapidly growing masses, fevers, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. An important part of the diagnosis is determining the specific subtype of lymphoma, as this will impact the treatment plan and prognosis.
NHL is categorized into stages ranging from 1 to 4, with stages 3 and 4 indicating advanced disease where the cancer has spread to multiple areas of the body. Treatment for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma typically involves a combination of intravenous chemo-immunotherapy, which aims to attack the cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Recent advancements in treatment have led to improved outcomes for patients with NHL, especially those with stage 3 disease.
While anyone can be diagnosed with NHL, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease. People with autoimmune diseases, those taking medications that suppress the immune system, and individuals exposed to certain infections or chemicals may have a higher risk of developing NHL. Additionally, age, smoking, and obesity have been associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Coulier shared that he started chemotherapy two weeks after his diagnosis and bravely shaved his head in anticipation of the treatment. He emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment in battling this aggressive form of cancer. As he embarks on his cancer journey, Coulier remains optimistic and determined to fight against non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
For more health-related articles and updates, visit www.foxnews.com/health. Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed reporting to this article, and Melissa Rudy is the senior health editor and member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. For story tips or inquiries, you can reach out to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
