WWE superstar and Hollywood actor John Cena reflects on a past skin cancer diagnosis, sharing lessons from his childhood, lifestyle choices, and why daily sun protection is now essential.
April 1, 2025: Wrestler-turned-actor John Cena has revealed that he was previously diagnosed with skin cancer, offering a personal perspective on how neglecting sun safety in his younger years eventually caught up with him.
In an interview with People magazine, Cena opened up about his diagnosis and the emotional toll it took. “My mind always goes to the worst-case scenario,” he admitted, recalling the moment his dermatologist called him back for further evaluation after spotting something abnormal.
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Growing up in a small beach town in Massachusetts, Cena spent countless hours under the sun without sunscreen. “It wasn’t part of my routine. I was stubborn,” said Cena, noting that during his childhood in the late ‘70s and ‘80s, the dangers of prolonged sun exposure were not as widely understood.
Things escalated when Cena moved to Florida, a state known for its year-round sunshine. Despite loving the weather, he never prioritized skin protection. Eventually, this led to a cancerous spot being removed from his chest. A year later, another spot had to be removed from his shoulder.
“I was lucky to have a great dermatologist who guided me through the process,” he said. Cena emphasized the importance of early detection, regular checkups, and adopting a responsible lifestyle. “We prepare for so many things in life—why not take a few seconds each day to protect your skin?”
He now sees his scars as reminders. “I’m grateful I dodged two bullets,” Cena said, urging others to learn from his story. “I wear them as a reminder: ‘Hey man, take care of yourself.’”
Cena, who currently stars in Peacemaker and continues to appear in WWE, is now a vocal advocate for sun protection and skin health awareness.
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John Cena, skin cancer, WWE, Hollywood, sun protection, Peacemaker, celebrity health, health awareness, wellness, dermatology, lifestyle choices, People magazine