‘Jersey Shore’ Star Snooki Announces Stage 1 Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, 38, known for her role on the MTV reality series Jersey Shore, has revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer. Polizzi shared the news in a TikTok video on Friday, February 20, 2026, emphasizing the importance of regular Pap smears.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Polizzi explained that she had been experiencing abnormal Pap smear results for three to four years prior to her diagnosis [CBS News]. A subsequent cone biopsy, a procedure to remove a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue for examination, confirmed the presence of adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer.
“Obviously not the news that I was hoping for, but as well not the worst news just as they caught it so early. Thank freaking God!” Polizzi said in the video [CBS News].
Treatment and Future Plans
Polizzi is scheduled to undergo a PET scan to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of her body [CBS News]. She also indicated she is likely to have a hysterectomy [AP News]. She expressed emotional distress over the potential impact on her ability to have more children, stating, “Having a hysterectomy and then not being able to have children, I think that’s what’s killing me.” [USA Today].
Advocacy for Preventative Screening
Polizzi used her platform to strongly encourage her followers to prioritize regular Pap smears. She emphasized that she had delayed screenings due to fear and discomfort, but ultimately getting checked led to early detection and a more favorable prognosis [CBS News]. “That’s why I’m literally telling you guys to gain your pap smears done,” she said. “I’m 38 years old … And now look at me.”
Background
Polizzi rose to fame as a cast member on Jersey Shore, which premiered on MTV in 2009. She also starred in the spin-off series Snooki & JWoww and has appeared on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation [AP News]. She has been married for 11 years and has three children [AP News].
According to the American Cancer Society, over 13,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. Each year. Screening and prevention efforts have led to a more than 50% decrease in the cervical cancer death rate since the mid-1970s [CBS News].