Support From Loved Ones During a Cancer Journey
- Dave Coulier, 66, has completed 35 rounds of radiation for HPV‑related oral cancer, with his wife Melissa supporting him through every treatment.
- Cancer caregivers can be spouses, family members, or close friends. They help the patient keep track of symptoms, any new reactions to treatment, and concerns they have for their doctors.
- Examples of caregiver activities may include attending doctor visits, helping the patient take notes and ask questions, providing transportation to and from treatment, and helping with everyday activities such as preparing meals.
- Radiation Oncologist Dr. Subhakar Mutyala explains that radiation is “a treatment where you don’t feel the treatment itself. Now, sometimes, you might feel the place where we place the tumor. If we’re placing applicators in the cancer, you might feel that. Or if you’re lying on a table and we’re holding you still, you might feel that. But the actual treatment is just ionizing energy.”
- This marks his second cancer battle within a year, following chemotherapy for non‑Hodgkin lymphoma earlier in 2025.
- HPV‑related throat cancers, like Coulier’s P16‑positive squamous cell carcinoma, typically respond well to treatment, and vaccines such as Gardasil 9 help prevent high‑risk HPV strains linked to these cancers.
- “Probably less than 1 percent of the population who get infected with HPV happen to have the cancer-causing virus that somehow their immune system fails to clear, and over 15 to 20 years it develops from a viral infection into a tumor and cancer,” Dr. Allen Ho, a head and neck surgeon at Cedars-Sinai, explains.
Coulier recently finished radiation therapy for oral cancer, a diagnosis he received last fall. Melissa, who accompanied him to every session, grew emotional as they headed out for his final treatment.
The video captures the couple walking into the radiation ward, where they’re greeted by a cheering team of radiologists and a treatment room lit with strobe lights, all set to Kool & the Gang’s “Celebration.”
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Earlier in 2025, Dave underwent chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was later diagnosed with P16-positive squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue. Research published in the American Journal of Surgical Pathology notes that HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma generally carries a more favorable prognosis than other head and neck cancers.
Coulier completed 35 rounds of radiation. He described the experience on the Today Show, saying radiation was “a whole different animal than chemo. It doesn’t feel as aggressive, but there are still side effects.”
The British Journal of Cancer explains that head and neck squamous cell carcinoma refers to tumors that can arise in several areas throughout the head and neck. Many of these cancers are linked to high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).
According to the National Cancer Institute and the CDC, HPV is associated with several cancers — including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers — and tends to affect areas where the virus commonly resides, such as the base of the tongue and tonsils.
The encouraging news: HPV-related throat cancers often respond well to treatment, particularly when radiation and chemotherapy are used together. Preventive tools like the HPV vaccine, including Gardasil 9, offer protection against multiple strains of the virus, including HPV 16, the type most commonly connected to head and neck cancers.
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How To Help A Partner Diagnosed With Cancer
Melissa’s presence has been immeasurable for Dave as he battled two different cancers that called for two different forms of treatment. A cancer diagnosis can feel like a tidal wave—bringing grief, fear, and uncertainty into a relationship. But it doesn’t have to mark the end of connection or hope. Couples who face cancer together often discover new layers of resilience, tenderness, and strength.
Building emotional stability begins with intentional choices:
- Speaking with a therapist to unpack feelings
- Creating space for open, honest dialogue with your partner
- Learning about the diagnosis and treatment side by side
- Joining support communities to share and hear lived experiences
The Caregiver’s Role: Love in Action
Becoming a caregiver isn’t just practical—it’s deeply personal. Whether you’re a partner, sibling, parent, friend, or even a child, stepping into this role means embracing both emotional and logistical support. Caregivers often serve as a steady presence through treatment, appointments, and everyday life.
What Caregivers Often Do
- Attend appointments and ask key questions
- Offer transportation and companionship during treatments
- Track side effects, monitor symptoms, and communicate with care teams
- Connect with social workers and patient navigators
- Help manage daily routines and provide reassurance in difficult moments
Don’t Forget the Caregiver’s Well-being
Caregivers are the backbone of many cancer journeys, but they need care, too. Mental health support, financial guidance, and peer resources are critical. Engaging with social workers or patient advocates can ensure caregivers get the tools they need to stay strong—for their loved one and for themselves.
WATCH: How Caregivers Must Take Care of Themselves To
Expert Resources on Caregiving
- ‘A Sacred and Blessed Calling’ – Managing Life As an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
- “Be Proud Of What You’re Doing” — Justine Almada’s Ode to Cancer Caregivers
- “I Try To Stay Strong, But Sometimes You Need To Cry”: Playing The Role of Cancer Caregiver and Mom
- 11 Celebrity Cancer Survivors and Caregivers on What They’re Grateful for this Holiday Season
Coping With Radiotherapy Side Effects
Coulier says the radiotherapy is taking a toll, and once he’s finished his scheduled 35 rounds of radiation, that may feel like an understatement.
While radiation aims to focus on the cancer cells, nearby healthy tissues may also be impacted.
WATCH: What does radiotherapy feel like for the patient?
According to the National Cancer Institute, typical side effects of radiation to the head and neck may include:
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Changes to the skin or sense of taste
- Difficulty swallowing
- Mouth issues
- A less active thyroid gland
“Radiation therapy is actually ionizing energy, where energy goes through your body, essentially causes DNA damage,” Radiation Oncologist Dr. Subhakar Mutyala explained to SurvivorNet.
“It is a treatment where you don’t feel the treatment itself. Now, sometimes, you might feel the place where we place the tumor. If we’re placing applicators in the cancer, you might feel that. Or if you’re lying on a table and we’re holding you still, you might feel that. But the actual treatment is just ionizing energy,” Dr. Mutyala continued.
Reflecting on his earlier battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, he credited early detection for saving his life—twice. “Early detection saved my life, not just the first time but the second time as well. So I hope you’re getting your check-ups,” he urged.
Preparing for Radiation Treatment
Patients may be able to prepare for radiation therapy before it begins in earnest.
Dr. Chelsea Pinnix, a radiation oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, says many patients are more afraid of radiation therapy than they need to be.
“Radiation is often a big black box for patients and very scary at first,” she explains. “You read things online or come across older studies that focused on toxicity, and that can heighten the fear.”
But much of that fear, she says, is rooted in outdated information. To illustrate how far the field has come, she compares radiation therapy to the evolution of the cell phone.
“Decades ago, cell phones were huge. Now we have smartphones that can do everything. Radiation therapy has evolved in the same way.” While the way radiation destroys cancer cells hasn’t changed, she notes, “a lot has changed in how precisely we target and deliver treatment.”
Before radiation begins, patients undergo a simulation—a planning session designed to ensure the highest accuracy once treatment starts. No radiation is delivered during this step.
WATCH: Preparing for Radiation Treatment
What Happens During Radiation Simulation
The first task is determining the exact position your body should be in for treatment. The position must give the machine the best access to the treatment area while still being comfortable enough for you to stay completely still for several minutes at a time.
Depending on the treatment site, you may lie on your back, stomach, or side. Specialized cushions and supports help keep your body in the same position for every session.
For head or neck treatments, a custom plastic mask is molded to your face and secured to the table to prevent movement.
“We have a lot of sophisticated devices to help with setup because we can now target down to the millimeter,” Dr. Pinnix says. “Consistency in positioning is crucial with today’s highly focused radiation.”
Once you’re positioned, the team performs a CT scan of the treatment area. These images guide the radiation plan and help pinpoint exactly where the beams should be directed.
Next, the team marks your skin—either with a temporary marker or tiny tattoo dots about the size of a freckle—so the radiation can be delivered to the same precise location each time.
The entire simulation typically takes up to an hour and offers a valuable opportunity to ask questions about the process, what to expect, and how treatment works.
Expert Resources on Caregiving
- ‘A Sacred and Blessed Calling’ – Managing Life As an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
- “Be Proud Of What You’re Doing” — Justine Almada’s Ode to Cancer Caregivers
- “I Try To Stay Strong, But Sometimes You Need To Cry”: Playing The Role of Cancer Caregiver and Mom
- 11 Celebrity Cancer Survivors and Caregivers on What They’re Grateful for this Holiday Season
Coping With Treatment Side Effects that Impact the Mouth
“Your tongue starts to feel super wrong, kind of like you put it against a shredder or something,” Dr. Danoosh Amrooei, a breast cancer survivor and dentist at Monaco Dentistry in Apollo Beach, Florida, previously told SurvivorNet.
“Depending on the chemo, your side effects could be better or worse, but I know with the chemo that I underwent that you get really sensitive teeth and gums; even something like brushing your teeth becomes really painful.”
RELATED: Majority of Throat Cancer Diagnoses Caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Dr. Christina Wood, a dentist at Station Dental in Colorado, told SurvivorNet that she recommends that all chemo patients visit the dentist before treatment.
In addition to a regular check-up, individuals should also request a fluoride treatment, said Dr. Wood.
“These provide a high dose of fluoride for your teeth to help increase mineralization of the enamel [strengthen the teeth] and prevent mucositis [painful mouth inflammation],” she explained in a previous interview with SurvivorNet.
She also shared a list of tips for once chemo starts to mitigate pain and keep the mouth clean:
- Try to have a dental exam and teeth cleaning before chemo starts
- Steer clear of mouthwash with alcohol in it; this can be extremely painful for sensitive gums and teeth
- Stay away from spicy and acidic foods, which can exacerbate pain
- Try eating foods that can soothe the mouth, such as dairy items
- Keep different toothpaste options as your taste buds change during chemo, and certain flavors might suddenly become unappealing.
- Steer clear of whitening toothpaste, which has more grit and can further irritate the gums.
If your treatment is making you vomit frequently, try mixing 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/8 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of warm water as a mouth rinse; this can help make your mouth less acidic, which can protect the enamel on your teeth.
HPV-Linked Head and Neck Cancers Have Surged 300% Since the 1980s, Experts Warn
The rate of HPV-related head and neck cancers has skyrocketed over the past few decades—a trend that has medical experts sounding the alarm.
“From the 1980s to the 2010s, the rate of HPV-related head and neck cancers has gone up by 300 percent,” said Dr. Ted Teknos, a head and neck cancer specialist and president and scientific director of University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio, in an interview with SurvivorNet.
While not all oral cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV)—the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S.—there is a well-established link between the virus and certain types of head and neck cancers.
RELATED: Why the HPV Vaccine Is So Important in Preventing Cancer
WATCH: Understanding the Human Papillomavirus
According to Dr. Allen Ho, a head and neck surgeon at Cedars-Sinai, HPV infection is incredibly common among Americans.
“The vast majority of humans in the United States, both men and women, will eventually get infected with HPV,” Dr. Ho told SurvivorNet.
However, only a small fraction of those infected are at risk of developing cancer.
“The important thing to know about HPV is that there are many different strains, and only a couple of them tend to be more cancer-inducing,” Dr. Ho explained.
“Probably less than 1 percent of the population who get infected happen to have the cancer-causing virus that somehow their immune system fails to clear, and over 15 to 20 years it develops from a viral infection into a tumor and cancer.”
Treatment for HPV-related oral cancers often involves surgery to remove the tumor, but may also include chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted drug therapies. In advanced cases, these treatments can affect a patient’s ability to eat or speak, although rehabilitation therapy can help many regain these essential functions.
The rise in HPV-related cancers underscores the importance of prevention, early detection, and public awareness—especially when it comes to the life-saving potential of the HPV vaccine.
What You Should Know About HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common but often misunderstood virus.
HPV is “a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex,” according to the National Cancer Institute. While many sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives, the virus is linked to several serious cancers.
Though HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, its reach extends far beyond. The virus is also known to cause cancers of the throat, vagina, penis, anus, and vulva. In fact, HPV is believed to be responsible for:
- 90% of anal and cervical cancers
- Approximately 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers
- Around 60% of penile cancers
Despite its widespread impact, screening options remain limited—especially for throat cancer.
“There are no screening guidelines to screen for throat cancer, unlike cervical cancer with pap smears,” said Dr. Jessica Geiger, a medical oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, in an interview with SurvivorNet. “There are no standard tests to determine if you harbor the virus.”
The good news? HPV-related throat cancers tend to respond well to treatment.
“The cure rates for people who have HPV-related disease are a lot higher than those who have tobacco-related throat cancer,” Dr. Geiger explained.
Dickinson’s experience highlights the importance of HPV awareness—not just for women, but for everyone. With no routine screening for throat cancer, prevention through vaccination and education remains a critical tool in the fight against HPV-related diseases.
Protecting Against HPV: Why the Vaccine Matters More Than Ever
Nearly 80 million Americans are currently living with human papillomavirus (HPV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While most people won’t experience serious health issues, for a small percentage, HPV can lead to cancer.
To reduce that risk, health experts strongly recommend the HPV vaccine, which protects against the strains most likely to cause cancer.
What the Vaccine Covers
Gardasil 9, the most widely used HPV vaccine, offers broad protection.
According to the National Cancer Institute, it guards against “nine HPV types: the two low-risk HPV types that cause most genital warts, plus seven high-risk HPV types that cause most HPV-related cancer.”
One of the most dangerous strains is HPV 16, which is responsible for 92% of head and neck cancers. The vaccine triggers an immune response that prevents infection from this strain, making it a powerful tool in cancer prevention.
“The key with the vaccine is that you receive it before you have sexual encounters,” explains Dr. Geiger. “So that’s why these vaccines are approved for young children ages 9, 10, 11 years old, up to age 26.”
Who Should Get Vaccinated—and When
- The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for all male and female preteens at ages 11 to 12, administered in two doses spaced six to twelve months apart.
- The series can begin as early as age 9.
- Teens and young adults through age 26 who didn’t start or complete the vaccine series should still get vaccinated.
- Those who begin the series between ages 15 and 26 or who have weakened immune systems should receive three doses instead of two.
While adults over 26 can still receive the vaccine, it’s generally less effective, as many have already been exposed to HPV. Still, individuals up to age 45 may choose to get vaccinated after consulting with their doctor about potential benefits.
WATCH: Should children get the HPV Vaccine?
Changing the Conversation Around HPV
Vaccine hesitancy remains a barrier, often rooted in concerns that the vaccine encourages early sexual activity. To counter this, many health professionals are shifting how they talk about it.
“I think rebranding the vaccine as a cancer vaccine, rather than an STD vaccine, is critically important,” says Dr. Teknos.
Dr. Teknos believes that focused efforts to “change the mindset around the vaccine” can make a meaningful difference.
By reframing the HPV vaccine as a powerful tool for cancer prevention, experts hope to boost vaccination rates—and protect more lives in the process
Coulier’s Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Journey
Coulier’s rise to fame came about when he landed a recurring role on Full House, a popular sitcom that ran from 1987 to 1995. It featured notable stars, including the late Bob Saget, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, Mary-Kate, and Ashley Olsen. The show focused on a widowed sportscaster (Saget) as he raised his three daughters with help from his rock-and-roll brother-in-law (Stamos) and best friend (Joey).
Many of the cast members remained friends for many years after the show ended.
Coulier revealed he had been battling stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early November 2024. The actor was no stranger to the impact of a cancer diagnosis. His mom and sisters were all diagnosed with a form of cancer.
“I saw what those women in my family went through, and I thought to myself, ‘If I can be just 1/10th of a percent as strong as they were, then I’m going to be just fine,’” Coulier told US Magazine.
What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
“Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a big category,” Dr. Julie Vose, chief of hematology/oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, previously told SurvivorNet.
All non-Hodgkin lymphomas begin in white blood cells known as lymphocytes, which are part of your body’s immune system. From there, doctors separate these cancers into types depending on the specific kind of lymphocytes they grow from — B cells or T cells.
WATCH: For treatment, the type of lymphoma you have matters.
Knowing which of these you have can help steer you to the most appropriate treatment.
One way doctors divide up these cancers is based on how fast they’re likely to grow and spread. “The two main classifications I think of in terms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are lymphomas that are more indolent and those that are more aggressive because those are treated very differently,” Dr. Jennifer Crombie, medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, told SurvivorNet.
Most non-Hodgkin lymphomas, about 85%, affect B-cells. These cells produce antibodies and proteins that react to foreign substances like viruses or bacteria in your body. The antibodies attach to another protein on the surface of the invading cells, called an antigen, to target and destroy them.
Questions for Your Doctor
If you are concerned about your cancer risk related to the human papillomavirus or whether HPV caused the cancer you have, you can use one of the conversation starters below when talking with your doctor:
- I am unsure if I received the HPV vaccine when I was younger. What can I do to know for sure?
- If I experience symptoms that could be caused by HPV, what tests can I undergo to determine?
- How can I know if HPV caused the cancer I have?
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
