Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi shares new update on cervical cancer diagnosis ahead of surgery
Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi has shared an encouraging update ahead of her surgery for cervical cancer.
The 38-year-old reality TV star first shared the news back in February with a TikTok video, stating that the cancer is stage 1 and that she was grateful it had been caught early.
In the social media post, Polizzi explained how she was diagnosed following a cone biopsy, which is where a cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix and examined.
"It came back stage 1 cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma,” she told her followers. “ Obviously not the news I’ve been hoping for, but also not the worst news just because they caught it so early. Thank freaking God!"
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In a new update shared with fans on Sunday (26 July) Snooki told fans she is trying not to ‘freak out’ about her upcoming hysterectomy. "They’re not doing it laperscopally," she said. "They’re actually doing an incision, so it’s like the c-section cut to remove it."
She also thanked fans for their supportive comments and advice, especially those who have undergone similar surgery themselves, admitting she does not like pain and adding, "I don’t want to feel awful after."
Despite her nerves, Snooki reassured followers that "It didn’t spread," adding, "I’m getting my hysterectomy soon" and, "Everything is good."
The NHS explains that 'cervical cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix, which is the opening between the vagina and the womb'. In the UK, around 3,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year.
In an interview with People Magazine, earlier this year, she revealed she was to undergo a hysterectomy.
“I was scared,” she told the publication upon learning that she would need surgery. “But you know what? It's not the worst case and I can still deal with it. I'm gonna be fine.”
a hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the womb. It renders the person unable to get pregnant and means they will no longer get a menstrual period, as per the NHS.
Surgery is often the main treatment for cervical cancer, and, according to Polizzi’s doctors, she will not need any further treatment once it is completed.
Despite the reassurance, the TV icon has said she is nervous about going under the knife.
“I'm not great with pain, so thinking about removing an organ is scary,” she explained.
“That's a part of being a woman and even though I'm done having kids, the thought of not being able to really upset me. It messes with you a little bit.”
Cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which is why routine cervical screening is so important. When symptoms do develop, they can include unusual vaginal bleeding – such as between periods, after sex or after the menopause – as well as changes in vaginal discharge, pain during sex, and persistent pain in the lower back, pelvis or lower abdomen. While these symptoms can be caused by a range of conditions, anyone experiencing them should seek medical advice.
Greg Harris