On Wednesday, Jada Pinkett Smith took viewers on a deeply personal and educational journey during an episode of Red Table Talk, where she underwent her first colonoscopy. Joined by her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, her son Jaden Smith, and several medical experts, the episode emphasized the importance of gut health and preventative care. Through candid conversation and firsthand experience, Jada aimed to make a sometimes-intimidating procedure feel approachable.
In a clip shared with PEOPLE, the 50-year-old actress is seen post-procedure, still under anesthesia but cheerful. “I feel so relaxed,” she laughs. “Sticking cameras in your booty… that’s a little cumbersome, you know.” She admitted feeling a moment of panic before the procedure but stressed that the process was easier than expected. “I just want people to know that it was a very easeful process,” she said. “I feel good. I feel extra good because I’m on the other side.”
The episode goes beyond Jada’s personal experience, opening a dialogue about digestive health in the Black community, where colon cancer is often diagnosed at later stages. By showing her journey openly, she hopes to encourage early detection and proactive healthcare, highlighting that colonoscopies can save lives when done regularly and timely.
Family members contributed to the discussion, providing humor, vulnerability, and personal reflections. Their dynamic made the medical topic relatable, demonstrating how support and openness can demystify a procedure that many people fear or avoid. Jada’s willingness to share both her apprehensions and relief helps normalize conversations about colon health in households across the country.
This isn’t the first time the Smith family has spotlighted colonoscopy awareness. In 2019, Will Smith filmed his own procedure during which doctors discovered and removed a precancerous polyp. That 17-minute video has amassed nearly four million views on YouTube, further cementing the family’s role in destigmatizing these critical screenings.
By combining education with honesty and humor, Jada Pinkett Smith underscores the importance of regular screenings and early detection. “Early detection saves lives,” she says. “If I can do it, so can you.” Her episode on Red Table Talk serves as both a personal testament and a public service, showing that facing medical procedures head-on can empower individuals and communities alike.