Nicole Polizzi is opening up about a deeply personal health journey, revealing that she will undergo a hysterectomy following an early-stage cervical cancer diagnosis.
The 38-year-old Jersey Shore star shared that the diagnosis came earlier this year after a period of delayed follow-up care, despite earlier warning signs involving precancerous cells. Speaking candidly about the experience, Polizzi emphasized how easily routine screenings can be postponed—and how critical it is not to.
“My doctor was leaving me a voicemail screaming at me like, ‘You need to get in here. This is serious. You don’t want it to escalate.’ That’s when I finally went in,” she said, recalling the moment that prompted her to return for evaluation.
At that appointment, Polizzi learned that “a ton” of precancerous cells had developed. While the diagnosis was serious, she confirmed that the cancer was caught early and has not spread since being identified in February, significantly improving her prognosis.
As part of her treatment plan, Polizzi will undergo a hysterectomy—a surgical procedure that removes the uterus. According to her doctors, the operation is expected to eliminate the need for further cancer treatment.
Still, the decision has come with emotional weight.
“I’m not great with pain, so thinking about removing an organ is scary. 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,” she shared.
Polizzi is a mother of three, sharing sons Lorenzo, 13, and Angelo, 6, and daughter Giovanna, 11, with her husband, Jionni LaValle. While she has previously said her family is complete, she acknowledged that the finality of the procedure still carries a psychological impact.
In the wake of her diagnosis, Polizzi says she has become more proactive about her health.
“I talk to my doctor all the time now. I wanna be healthier. I’m just trying to be the best version of myself because I’m getting older and I wanna age gracefully,” she said.
She also used her platform to highlight what she sees as a lack of public conversation around cervical cancer and preventive care.
“I feel like nobody talks about cervical cancer. The main point of me talking about this is for girls to get on their s–t and not do what I did… this is very preventable.”
Medical professionals widely stress the importance of regular screenings, including Pap tests and HPV testing, which can detect abnormalities before they develop into cancer. Polizzi’s experience underscores how early detection can significantly change outcomes.
Her decision to speak publicly aligns her with other public figures who have shared similar experiences. Celebrities including Kathy Griffin and Lena Dunham have also opened up about undergoing hysterectomies, contributing to broader awareness around women’s health issues.
