what is this cancer that affects Dave Coulier, star of “The House Party”

American actor Dave Coulier, known for his role as Uncle Joey in the series “Party at House” as well as its sequel, revealed in the show Today that he was diagnosed last October with a “very aggressive” blood cancer, called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Blood cancer: “a bump the size of a golf ball”

In the American show on November 13, 2024, the actor confided that he noticed the first symptoms of his illness a month ago when he had a cold. He felt “a golf ball sized bump in the groin”less than a week after falling ill.

“The lymph node immediately swelled”specified Dave Coulier. “I thought, Wow, either I’m really sick or my body is really reacting to something.” The 65-year-old man therefore decided to consult. After having undergone several tests whose results were rather reassuring, the doctors decided to do a biopsy of the lymph node. “for safety”.

Three days later, the actor learned he had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a cancer characterized by the abnormal proliferation of B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). “I went from “I have a little cold” to “I have cancer”. That’s a lot”.

Additional analyzes determined that it was stage 3. The disease therefore did not spread outside the lymphatic system. “Which means a cure rate which can go up to more than 90%”said the artist during the interview.

Dave Coulier has already started his chemotherapy. In total, he will have six cycles every 21 days and is expected to be finished with treatment by February 2025. “You hear chemo, and it scares you,” admits the celebrity. The first round was quite intense because you don’t know what to expect. You don’t know how you’re going to feel. Will it hit me immediately? Is it going to be devastating? Am I going to get out of here?”

Diffuse large cell B lymphoma: signs to spot

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is one of the most common forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It represents almost 40% of cases. One of the first signs of this blood cancer is – as was the case for Dave Coulier – an increase in the size of a lymph node. Most often, it is located in the neck, armpits or groin folds. This “lump” is generally not painful.

Other non-specific symptoms may also appear such as fever, unexplained weight loss, heavy night sweats and unexplained fatigue. Patients are generally over 60 years old at diagnosis.

“The causes of diffuse large cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma remain unknown in the vast majority of cases. Various risk factors likely to favor the occurrence of this disease have been identified: for example, infections by certain viruses, such as AIDS virus, hepatitis C or the EBV virus (also responsible for mononucleosis) Environmental factors (exposure to pesticides in particular) are also mentioned. Finally, immunity deficits following a transplant. organ also favor the appearance of this type of lymphoma”explains the French Society of Hematology.

Cancer prevention: “The only thing that came to my mind was to talk to others about it”

If Dave Coulier shared his story in the media, it was to raise awareness about cancer and screening. This disease has, in fact, already claimed several women in his family. “I lost my sister Sharon at the age of 36 to breast cancer. I lost my niece Shannon at 29 to breast cancer,” he said. “I lost my mother, and now my sister Karen has cancer. So over the years I’ve seen what the women in my family went through, and it wasn’t just an awakening, but a learning process.”

“The only thing that came to mind was to talk to others about it. Suggest that they have something as simple as a pre-screening or breast exam, a mammogram, a colonoscopy or a prostate exam”he explains. “It’s a very simple thing to do and it can add years to your life.”