John Cena has always been known for his tough image, both within the WWE arena and in films.
Off the set, though, the WWE champion fought through a personal emergency that few may know – skin cancer. Opening up with PEOPLE magazine, Cena shared his experience, telling of how his sun worship taught him a lifesaving lesson about protecting himself with sunscreen.
A Hard-Won Lesson
Cena moved from his home state of Massachusetts to Florida in his 20s and quickly became enamored with the sun, warm weather. But, as he would later admit, he "neglected" his skin. "I fell in love with the sun but didn't protect myself," Cena acknowledged. His casual attitude toward sun exposure was not unusual—most of us feel that sunburns and skin damage will not eventually get us. Cena did learn the hard way, though, that such negligence can be pretty harsh.
"I was obstinate. I did not want to have a routine, and I thought the problem would never catch up with me," Cena admitted. Despite the abundant sunshine in Florida, he did not prioritize sunscreen, and the damage began to catch up with him. Cena's case was a bitter reminder that while sun exposure may appear harmless, it can have severe health implications in the long run.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Sometime later, Cena decided to have a routine checkup at the dermatologist. It was there that he received the life-altering news: a pre-cancerous lump on his chest was diagnosed with skin cancer. "It was a call you never want to receive," Cena remembered, remembering the fear and uncertainty that accompanied hearing the words. The news was a rude wake-up call for Cena, who had long thought he was invincible.
Soon after the diagnosis, Cena underwent surgery to have the growth removed. But one year later, there was another development that Cena did not anticipate. Cena received yet another phone call from his dermatologist's office requesting him to come back for yet another check-up. This time, another growth, this one located close to his right shoulder, had to be removed. It was a wake-up call that skin cancer is not always with clear-cut signs and that routine examinations and self-preservation are essential.
"It's not something you ever imagine will happen to you," Cena said. "But I'm so glad that I did catch it when I did.". I'm lucky to have dodged those two bullets." The experience left permanent scars on his body—small white spots, like polka dots, that are still visible today. If you've ever watched Cena wrestle, you'll notice the spots on his chest and shoulder. Cena himself is very open about these visible reminders of his health scare, and he wears them as badges of appreciation.
A Tough Exterior, But a Human Touch
Even the strongest guy like John Cena has his vulnerable moments. Being a celebrity, he's used to facing head-on whatever challenge befalls him, but when it comes to his health, Cena confessed that his mind immediately goes to the worst possible outcome. "I think the worst, even when I don't want to," he said. But despite all his concerns, Cena continues moving forward, living every day with gratitude.
"I wear these spots as a reminder that you’ve got to take the extra few seconds to protect yourself," Cena said. He now lives by the mantra that protecting your skin should be as much of a daily habit as brushing your teeth. It’s a small step, but it could make all the difference in the long run.
The Daily Habit of Sunscreen
In his interview, Cena reaffirmed that sunscreen has to be an absolute part of everyone's everyday life. "Think about brushing your teeth. You learn when you're a child that you go to the dentist when you haven't brushed your teeth, and it's uncomfortable," he explained. "Well, the same thing happens if you don't take care of your skin. And the thing is, it's easier to take care of your skin than brush your teeth."
For Cena, taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good—it's about staying healthy and living a longer, fuller life. “You want to be able to enjoy life and soak up the sun, but you’ve got to do it in a safe way,” he said, urging people to view sunscreen as a protective tool rather than just a beauty product.
A New Mission: Sunscreen Awareness
Cena's own personal history of skin cancer is now fueling his skin protection crusade. Last year, he partnered with Neutrogena on its "Sunscreen You Can't See" campaign for its new Ultra Sheer Sunscreen. The partnership comes easily to Cena, whose wrestling catchphrase—"You can't see me"—has become a meme and pop culture icon.
Just as people will jokingly say they can't see Cena in the ring, he's now speaking out to bring attention to an invisible serious issue: sun damage. The consequences of being out in the sun might not be seen in the moment, but they have long-term implications on one's health, such as skin cancer. Cena's involvement in the campaign serves as a bittersweet reminder that although you may not always be able to see the damage, it is there, incrementally accumulating with time.
Permanent Thoughts: Defend Your Skin, Defend Your Future
John Cena's own experience with skin cancer has turned him into an adamant sunscreen supporter. He urges everyone, no matter what age or lifestyle, to incorporate sunscreen into their daily routine. It's not merely to prevent sunburns or look good; it's to protect your health in the long run.
The word is out: Take time to safeguard your skin. Whether you're enjoying a sun-filled day at the beach or just out running errands, a speedy application of sunscreen can make a huge difference in preventing skin damage. Cena's experience is evidence of the importance of taking little steps today for a healthier, brighter tomorrow. So, the next time you head outdoors, take John Cena's advice to heart—don't forget the sunscreen!
By sharing his own experience, Cena not only informed individuals on skin cancer, but he made it easier for others to relate to protecting the skin. His honesty along with his determination teaches us all a lesson to spare a moment a day to shield our skin—and thus our future.
