Snooki Reveals Stage 1 Cervical Cancer Diagnosis, Outlines Next Steps and Tests

Nicole "snooki" Polizzi, 38, has revealed she was diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer after receiving cone biopsy results and shared the update on Feb. 20. The revelation explains ongoing testing and an evolving treatment plan and underscores her plea for women to keep up with routine Pap smears.

Snooki details diagnosis, biopsy and immediate findings

Polizzi said the cone biopsy results showed Stage 1 cervical cancer identified as adenocarcinoma. She explained that after the cone biopsy — a procedure in which abnormal tissue is removed from the cervix for testing — doctors removed the tumor that was present and found the tissue around it to be clear. That lack of cancer cells on the surrounding tissue was described as an indication the cancer did not extend up into the cervix, a point she called "a good thing, " while also acknowledging there remains a chance the cancer could spread elsewhere in her body.

Timeline: earlier testing and first disclosure

• Jan. 20: Polizzi first shared that doctors had found cancerous cells on her cervix after undergoing a colposcopy and biopsy, with those results described as abnormal.
• Feb. 20: She revealed the formal diagnosis of Stage 1 adenocarcinoma following the cone biopsy results.

Treatment options on the table and next steps

Polizzi said her next step will be a PET scan to check for any spread, and that she intends to undergo a hysterectomy after discussing options with her oncologist. She relayed that other therapeutic options mentioned by her care team included chemotherapy or radiation, and that she believes a hysterectomy is the smart choice for her. Polizzi added she will keep her ovaries, calling that a positive sign, and noted that removal of the cervix and uterus will depend on the PET scan findings.

Health history and public message from Polizzi

Polizzi, a mom of three, said she has struggled with abnormal Pap smears for three or four years prior to this diagnosis. She urged women not to delay routine Pap smears, describing how she herself had delayed care at times because she was hurt and scared but ultimately went in for testing. She emphasized that the cancer was found early and that Stage 1 is curable, while acknowledging the emotional weight of the news and saying 2026 has not been panning out as she had hoped but that things could be worse.

Context on cervical cancer, prevention and symptoms

Cervical cancer begins as abnormal cell growth in the cervix. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection passed through sexual contact, can cause most cervical cancers. When people are exposed to HPV, the immune system typically prevents harm, but in a small percentage the virus can persist for years and contribute to the cellular changes that lead to cancer.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable in part because of the HPV vaccine, and routine screening can detect disease early. Screening options include the HPV test and the Pap smear. Incidence trends have shown increases in women in their 30s and early 40s while rates have decreased for women in their 20s. Symptoms associated with advanced cervical cancer can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain and discharge.

What to expect next

Polizzi has said she is still learning about her next steps as she awaits PET scan results that will guide whether a hysterectomy proceeds. Her public updates have combined clinical details about biopsy and surgical options with personal appeals for preventive care. Details about timing and the outcomes of planned scans and procedures are unclear in the provided context and may evolve as she shares further updates.