‘Jersey Shore’ Star Snooki Reveals Stage 1 Cervical Cancer Diagnosis, Urges Pap Smear Screenings
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, known for her role in the MTV reality series Jersey Shore, announced on Friday that she has been diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer.
Polizzi shared the news in a nearly eight-minute video posted to TikTok , explaining that a cone biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer. “Obviously not the news that I was hoping for,” she said, “but also not the worst news, just because they caught it so early, thank freaking God!”
Early Detection and Encouragement for Screenings
The reality star emphasized the importance of regular Pap smears, revealing she had been “struggling with abnormal pap smears for three or four years now.” She urged her followers to prioritize these screenings, stating, “That’s why I’m literally telling you guys to get your pap smears done. I’m 38 years old… and now appear at me.”
Polizzi explained that a cone biopsy, a procedure to remove a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue for testing, led to the diagnosis.
Next Steps and Support
According to , Polizzi is scheduled for a PET scan to determine if the cancer has spread. She also mentioned the possibility of a hysterectomy following initial treatment.
Polizzi acknowledged the emotional toll of the diagnosis, noting that many women face similar challenges in silence. She shared that she decided to share her experience to offer support and encourage others to seek medical attention.
About Cervical Cancer
The American Cancer Society estimates that a little more than 13,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. Each year. The death rate from cervical cancer has decreased by more than half since the mid-1970s due to increased screening and prevention efforts.
Polizzi first gained prominence on Jersey Shore, which premiered on MTV in 2009, and later starred in spin-offs Snooki & JWoww and Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.