Snooki reveals she will undergo hysterectomy to treat cervical cancer

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is sharing a major update in her cancer journey.

The "Jersey Shore" star, who revealed her diagnosis of cervical cancer in February, announced she will be undergoing a hysterectomy as part of her treatment, in an interview with People magazine published Thursday, April 23.

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a person's uterus, according to Cleveland Clinic. The surgery can be used to treat "abnormal bleeding, uterine prolapse, fibroids and cancer." Following the uterus' removal, the treated person won't be able to become pregnant or get a menstrual period.

"I'm not great with pain, so thinking about removing an organ is scary," Polizzi, 38, told the magazine. "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."

In a Feb. 20 TikTok video, Polizzi said doctors detected adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that originates in the glands of someone's organs, after a Pap smear exam. Following the discovery, the reality-TV personality said doctors removed a chunk of her cervix with the tumor, and the area surrounding the tumor did not have cancer cells.

"I had a breakdown," Polizzi told People of her initial reaction to the diagnosis. "I got to my car, and I called my mom hysterically crying, thinking the worst."

Polizzi, who had a history of abnormal Pap smear results, said she previously postponed her cancer screenings because of the physical discomfort she often experienced during exams.

"Instead of dealing with it, I just pretended it wasn't happening," said Polizzi, whose cancer is stage one. "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 added that she hopes her experience can serve as a cautionary tale for other women.

"I feel like nobody talks about cervical cancer," Polizzi said. "The main point of me talking about this is for girls to get on their s--- and not do what I did… this is very preventable."

Polizzi said she has since learned to prioritize her daily health and stays in regular contact with her doctor, explaining, "I'm just trying to be the best version of myself."

"I was scared," Polizzi said. "But you know what? It's not the worst case and I can still deal with it. I'm gonna be fine."

Contributing: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY