John Cena has candidly discussed a routine he regrets not starting earlier in life, a lesson learned only after discovering two suspicious spots on his skin were cancerous.
The former WWE champion and current actor revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He explained that a visit to the dermatologist for a skin examination led to the removal of a lesion on his right chest.
Following the procedure, Cena’s doctor called him back for further evaluation.
The initial spot turned out to be cancerous, yet Cena shared with People magazine that he felt “lucky” to have a supportive dermatologist throughout the ordeal.
A year later, Cena found himself back at the dermatologist’s office.
At 48, he recounted: “A year later I went back and had another spot removed close to my right shoulder. It shows up like a white polka dot on the side of my chest and on my shoulder. If you watch WWE, you’ll be able to see them.”
In a fresh interview highlighted by USA Today, Cena confirmed that the second spot was also cancerous.
He stated, “I received the phone call twice, ‘Hey, you’ve got to come back, because the biopsy came back cancerous,’” and reflected, “That information is sobering, and it right there prompted me to change my life.”
Despite receiving treatment for the cancerous spots, Cena admitted to previously overlooking the importance of skin care, particularly during outdoor activities. Now, he acknowledges he wished he had understood earlier the significance of shielding skin from sun exposure.
Currently, Cena is promoting the new Neutrogena campaign featuring Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70, and he has now incorporated sunscreen into his daily habits.
“SPF is more common in the vernacular of women, and that’s because it is directly correlated with beauty,” Cena remarked.
He further noted, “Men especially are becoming more conscious of self-care. … I just think we need to make it more commonplace.”
Cena aims to normalize the use of sunscreen as a standard health practice, saying: “If someone uses SPF, because they don’t want to get wrinkles, it’s like someone going to the gym saying, ‘I want to be ripped.’ But being ‘ripped’ is essentially making healthier choices.”
He compared the benefits of SPF to exercise, noting, “So you can go to the gym for aesthetic purposes, but the reward of training goes far more than just aesthetic beauty. I think SPF is in the same lane.”
The actor emphasized the ease of applying sunscreen daily, commenting: “I’ve done some pretty aspirational things in the strength and health department, as far as nutritional choices and training regimens, and that’s really complicated, difficult stuff.”
In contrast, using sunscreen regularly is as simple as ‘brushing your teeth.’
Cena hopes his message resonates, adding: “My perspective on life has changed, but it took some real sobering news. I don’t want anybody to get there, so I’m just trying to use my platform to get ahead of that one.”
If these issues have impacted you and you’d like to speak with someone confidentially, you can reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345, or access their live chat service, available around the clock every day of the year.