Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, the reality television personality best known for her role on MTV’s Jersey Shore, has revealed she has been diagnosed with stage 1 cervical cancer. Polizzi, 38, shared the news with her followers on TikTok on , emphasizing the importance of routine Pap smears and early detection.
The diagnosis came after a recent cone biopsy, a procedure used to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix for testing. Polizzi explained in her video that the results indicated adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer. While acknowledging the seriousness of the news, she expressed relief that the cancer was caught early, stating, “Obviously not the news that I was hoping for, but also not the worst news just because they caught it so early. Thank freaking God!”
Polizzi’s openness about her health journey is intended to encourage others to prioritize preventative care. She revealed she had been dealing with abnormal Pap smear results for three to four years but had delayed seeking further evaluation due to fear and discomfort. “I’m literally telling you guys to get your Pap smears done,” she urged. “Instead of putting it off because I didn’t want to go, because I was hurt and scared, no, I just went and did it, [and] cancer’s in there, and it’s only stage I and it’s curable.”
The reality star is now consulting with an oncologist to determine the best course of treatment. She shared that doctors had removed the cancerous tissue during the cone biopsy, and that the surrounding tissue appeared clear. However, she is scheduled for a PET scan to determine if the cancer has spread. Depending on the results of the scan, Polizzi is considering a hysterectomy, with the intention of preserving her ovaries.
Born in Chile and adopted as an infant by Italian-American parents in New York, Polizzi rose to prominence in 2009 with the debut of Jersey Shore. The show, which chronicled the lives of a group of housemates during a summer in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, became a cultural phenomenon and launched Polizzi into the spotlight. She has since expanded her career into various ventures, including writing a book, launching product lines, and maintaining an active presence on social media.
Polizzi has previously spoken about her connection to her birth country and her efforts to reconnect with her biological family. This personal history has resonated with fans in Chile, who have expressed support for her during this challenging time.
The case highlights the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings. According to the Mayo Clinic, a Pap smear involves collecting cells from the cervix for testing, and can detect precancerous and cancerous cells. A colposcopy, another test Polizzi underwent, uses a specialized instrument to examine the cervix more closely and take tissue samples for further analysis.
Polizzi’s diagnosis comes as cervical cancer rates have been rising in women in their 30s and 40s, underscoring the need for increased awareness and preventative measures. Early detection through regular screenings remains the most effective way to combat the disease.
Despite the difficult news, Polizzi remains optimistic and determined to face her health challenges head-on. “Everything’s gonna be okay,” she told her followers. “I’m gonna get through this.”
