Snooki Reveals Stage 1 Cervical Cancer Diagnosis After Cone Biopsy, Urges Women to Keep Up With Pap Smears

Nicole "snooki" Polizzi announced on Feb. 20, 2026 that she has been diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer, sharing the result in a TikTok following a post-operative appointment after a cone biopsy. The disclosure is significant both for its personal impact and for the public reminder she issued about routine cervical screening.

Snooki's Diagnosis: What She Shared and Immediate Medical Findings

Polizzi, 38, revealed the cancer is a Stage 1 adenocarcinoma discovered when tissue removed during a cone biopsy was tested. She said doctors removed what they identified as the tumor during that procedure and that tissue surrounding the removed area tested clear of cancer cells, an outcome she described as reassuring because it suggests the cancer had not extended further into the cervix at the time of the biopsy.

She also confirmed that a PET scan is scheduled to determine whether cancer is present elsewhere in her body. Based on the oncologist's assessment, her leading next step will be a hysterectomy, with her ovaries expected to remain in place. Other treatment options discussed included chemotherapy and radiation, but Polizzi indicated the hysterectomy appears to be the smart choice for her situation.

Screening History, Public Messaging, and What Comes Next

Polizzi said she had struggled with abnormal Pap smears for three or four years prior to this diagnosis and initially shared that doctors had found cancerous cells after a colposcopy and biopsy on Jan. 20. She has urged women to prioritize routine Pap smears rather than delaying exams out of fear or discomfort, stressing that early detection can make the condition curable.

Polizzi noted that 2026 has not been unfolding as she would have liked, but she emphasized gratitude that the cancer was caught early and is treatable. She is a mother of three and has spoken about going public with her diagnosis because many women face similar fears in private; making the diagnosis public, she said, can prompt others to act on screening recommendations.

Context on Cervical Cancer and Preventive Measures

Medical resources describe cervical cancer as a growth of abnormal cells that begins in the cervix. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus commonly transmitted through sexual contact, are the primary cause of most cervical cancers. In many people the immune system clears HPV naturally, but in a small percentage the virus can persist and contribute to cellular changes that lead to cancer.

Preventive tools cited in medical guidance include HPV vaccination and routine screening with Pap smears and HPV testing, which can detect precancerous changes early. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain and unusual discharge, though early disease is often found through screening rather than symptoms. Health organizations have observed shifts in incidence that warrant attention to screening, especially for women in their 30s and early 40s.

What to Watch Next

• PET scan results — to determine whether cancer has spread beyond the cervix.
• Definitive surgical plan — a hysterectomy is being considered pending imaging results; ovaries are expected to be preserved.
• Follow-up care choices — if imaging shows further spread, options may include chemotherapy or radiation.

This account is based on the details Polizzi shared publicly about her diagnosis and planned next steps. Recent updates indicate she is proceeding with recommended testing and treatment planning; these details may evolve as her care progresses.