Snooki reveals hysterectomy after stage 1 cervical cancer diagnosis

Nicole Polizzi underwent a hysterectomy to treat stage 1 cervical cancer. The Jersey Shore reality star first disclosed the diagnosis at 38, and a PET scan showed the disease had not spread. She had earlier said the cancer was found after years of abnormal Pap smears and a cone biopsy, and she described surgery as a way to avoid chemotherapy and radiation.

Stage 1 cervical cancer means the disease has been caught early, before it has spread widely beyond the cervix. In that setting, doctors may recommend a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and cervix, when surgery offers the best chance to clear the cancer while limiting the need for more intensive treatment.

In February, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics cited her history of abnormal Pap smears as an example of how cervical cancer can be found through regular screening and follow-up after abnormal results. Trinity Health Massachusetts tied Polizzi’s story to the role of Pap smears and timely follow-up in catching disease before it advances.

The diagnosis has also carried an emotional toll at home. In April, Polizzi said her children asked whether she was dying after hearing she had cancer, and she later said that was one of the hardest parts of the experience. She said her son Lorenzo, 13, was among the children who reacted that way. Polizzi also said her Jersey Shore costars were supportive as she navigated treatment.

Cervivor, a cervical-cancer advocacy group, posted messages of support after Polizzi shared her diagnosis.