Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, one of the most recognizable faces from Jersey Shore and its many spin-offs, has revealed a serious health update to her millions of followers.
On Friday, the reality TV star shared that she has been diagnosed with Stage One cervical cancer, documenting the start of her treatment journey and the medical appointments she’s attending for adenocarcinoma.
Polizzi, 38, explained that after several years of abnormal Pap smear results, she underwent a cone biopsy — a procedure that removes a small section of cervical tissue so it can be tested for cancer.
“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!”
Following the diagnosis, she urged others not to delay routine screenings. In a TikTok video, she emphasized how important it is to stay on top of Pap smears and early checks.
“That’s why I’m literally telling you guys to get your pap smears done. I’m 38 years old … and now look at me.
“And instead of just putting it off because I didn’t want to go and it hurt and I was scared, no, I just went and did it. And it was there, cancer is in there. But it’s only stage 1 and it’s curable.”
Alongside screening, there are symptoms that can sometimes point to cervical cancer. One of the most commonly highlighted warning signs is unusual vaginal bleeding — including bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause. This can happen when a tumor affects the cervix and increases pressure on nearby blood vessels.
Similarly, periods that become noticeably heavier or last longer than normal can also be a signal something has changed. While it may be easy to brush off as an unusually difficult cycle, persistent shifts can be worth discussing with a clinician.
Another potential red flag is a sudden change in vaginal discharge, such as discharge that becomes watery, bloody, heavier than usual, or develops a strong unpleasant smell.
This can occur when abnormal tissue in the cervix becomes irritated or damaged, which may lead to bleeding and a greater risk of infection. In turn, the body can produce more mucus and shed dead tissue, changing the amount and appearance of discharge.
Lastly, ongoing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or lower abdomen can also be a reason to book a cervical screening or follow-up appointment — especially if the discomfort appears during sex.
It’s also important to remember that these symptoms aren’t exclusive to cervical cancer. Many are relatively common and can be linked to other conditions, including endometriosis or fibroids, which is why medical advice and proper screening matter.