Health
Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi Diagnosed With Cervical Cancer
Health Points
- Nicole Polizzi, known as ‘Snooki,’ has been diagnosed with Stage 1 cervical cancer at age 38.
- She emphasized the importance of routine Pap smears after years of abnormal results.
- Cervical cancer is increasingly seen in women in their 30s and 40s, but early detection improves outcomes.
The reality star revealed her diagnosis after a recent cone biopsy confirmed Stage 1 adenocarcinoma. Early detection has allowed her doctors to remove the tumor, with surrounding tissue found to be clear.
Polizzi shared she will undergo a PET scan and is considering a hysterectomy as her next treatment step, while keeping her ovaries. She encourages women to stay proactive with their health screenings.
“Instead of putting it off because I didn’t want to go, because I was hurt and scared, I just went and did it. And it was there, cancer is in there but it’s Stage 1 and it’s curable.”
Cervical cancer originates in the cervix and is most often caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The disease can be prevented by receiving the HPV vaccine and staying current with screenings such as Pap smears and HPV tests.
Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include abnormal bleeding, pain, and unusual discharge. Routine gynecologic care remains an important aspect of women’s health, especially as incidence is on the rise for women in midlife.
If you’re over 40, take charge of your health by scheduling recommended cancer screenings and talking with your doctor about prevention.
