WWE legend and Hollywood actor John Cena has candidly shared his experience with a past skin cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and how his lifestyle choices contributed to the health scare. In a recent interview with People magazine, Cena revealed how his carefree approach to sun exposure in his younger years ultimately led to a diagnosis that changed his outlook on skincare.
John Cena’s Early Years and Exposure to Sun Damage
The Massachusetts-born star reminisced about his childhood summers spent on Salisbury Beach and Newburyport, where sunscreen was never a priority. “Growing up, it wasn’t something we thought about,” he admitted. Raised in a household with five boys, his mother had her hands full and focused on keeping them healthy, unaware of the long-term risks of UV exposure.
As Cena transitioned into adulthood, he relocated to Florida, where he enjoyed the sunny climate but failed to take protective measures. “I was stubborn and didn’t think anything could happen to me,” he confessed. Years of excessive sun exposure without protection ultimately caught up with him, leading to his first skin cancer diagnosis.
John Cena’s Cancer Diagnosis and Wake-Up Call
The WWE champion-turned-actor recalled the life-changing moment when his dermatologist discovered a cancerous spot on his right pectoral muscle. “I thought it was nothing until I got the phone call saying, ‘You need to come back in,’” he said. After the initial removal procedure, Cena underwent further evaluations to ensure the cancer had not spread.
A year later, another cancerous growth was found on his right shoulder, requiring a second procedure. Cena acknowledged that while he maintains a positive mindset, dealing with health scares often led him to imagine worst-case scenarios. “It’s unpredictable, and you never know how bad it’s going to be,” he explained.
Embracing Sun Protection and Raising Awareness
After successfully overcoming two skin cancer scares, Cena has completely changed his approach to skincare. He now prioritizes sun protection, including wearing sunscreen daily and encouraging others to do the same.
“I’m grateful for the wake-up call and for getting through it, but now I make sure to protect myself every day,” he said. Cena believes in raising awareness and helping others understand the risks. “Human-to-human connection makes a difference. If sharing my story helps someone take precautions, then it’s worth it.”
Now, as a global icon, he wants his fans to be proactive about their health, emphasizing that taking just a few extra seconds for sun protection can prevent serious consequences.
