The well-known actor and WWE superstar John Cena has long been a representation of fortitude and tenacity. But in a more intimate and sobering admission, Cena has talked about a health issue that many were surprised to learn about: his battle with skin cancer. Cena wishes he had realized the value of skin protection sooner, as this diagnosis—which involved two cancerous spots on his chest and back—caught him off guard.
The notion that something as seemingly harmless as skipping sunscreen could result in a serious condition was a wake-up call for Cena, who has spent a large portion of his life in the spotlight. In an interview, he revealed that he had never used sunscreen, particularly when he was younger and spent a lot of time in the sun. His routine checkup revealed a cancerous spot on his chest, and the following year another on his back, as a result of his careless disregard for skin care. “That phone call is not one you want to get,” Cena said, reflecting deeply on the moment he received the news.
Personal Information | Career Information | Stats |
---|---|---|
Full Name: John Cena | Occupation: WWE Superstar, Actor | Height: 6’1″ (185 cm) |
Birthdate: April 23, 1977 | Country: USA | Weight: 251 lbs (114 kg) |
Spouse: Shay Shariatzadeh | Known For: WWE Championships, Hollywood Roles | Net Worth: $80 million |
Health Issue: Skin Cancer (Diagnosed with two spots) | Campaign: Neutrogena Sunscreen | Website: Neutrogena Campaign |
Military Rank: N/A | Major Achievements: 16-time WWE Champion, Actor | Instagram: @johncena |
However, Cena chose to use his personal health crisis as a platform for raising awareness rather than giving in to fear. He now promotes wearing sunscreen every day and has joined forces with Neutrogena to increase awareness, focusing on the disparity in sunscreen use between men and women. Although women have historically been more likely to wear sunscreen, Cena thinks it’s important for men to follow suit. His campaign spreads the straightforward idea that protecting your skin for a few minutes each day can have a significant impact over time.

Cena’s mental change is remarkably comparable to how people modify their strategy for other aspects of self-care after a health problem occurs. Applying sunscreen ought to become a habit for protecting your skin, much like brushing your teeth becomes second nature for hygiene. Following his health scare, Cena now proudly incorporates sunscreen into his daily routine, referring to it as a “gratitude” practice. His newfound dedication is assisting him in preventing future skin problems and teaching others the value of taking care of their skin from a young age.
No matter their occupation or way of life, everyone should take self-care seriously, as Cena’s support of sun protection serves as a reminder. Cena’s candor about his experience is definitely helpful in dispelling the stigma associated with skin health, especially as skin cancer rates continue to rise, especially among men who might not prioritize skincare. His story demonstrates how a small, regular habit can be incredibly effective in preventing much larger health issues down the road, and it encourages men in particular to incorporate skincare into their daily routine.
His change from ignoring sunscreen to prioritizing it in his life is a powerful example of how individual experiences can influence broader social shifts. In addition to encouraging a culture of health and prevention, Cena is bridging the knowledge gap regarding skin cancer and self-care through his platform and personal story. It’s a remarkably straightforward but powerful message that demonstrates that even the most resilient people, both mentally and physically, must put their health first—something Cena now advocates for on a daily basis.
John Cena has demonstrated to others that it’s never too late to make a change for the better by sharing his own health scare. His openness about his battle with skin cancer is a potent reminder that, regardless of who you are, maintaining good skin health can greatly enhance your quality of life and enable you to remain the best version of yourself for many years to come.