By [mc], Staff Writer
April 1, 2025 — WWE superstar and Hollywood actor John Cena has opened up for the first time about a private health scare that left him shaken—and deeply reflective. In a candid new interview, the 47-year-old wrestling legend revealed that he has faced not one, but two separate skin cancer diagnoses, and is now on a mission to prevent others from making the same mistake he did.
Best known for his powerhouse performances in the ring and larger-than-life action roles on screen, Cena is now stepping into a different spotlight—as an advocate for skin cancer awareness and sun protection.
And as he prepares for what could be his final showdown in WWE history at WrestleMania against Cody Rhodes, Cena says he’s more focused than ever—not just on victory, but on survival.
“I Thought It Would Never Happen to Me”
In a powerful conversation with PEOPLE magazine, Cena admitted that he neglected sun protection for most of his life, brushing off the risks of prolonged UV exposure until it nearly cost him dearly.
“I grew up never wearing sunscreen,” Cena said. “Back then, in the ‘70s and ‘80s, people just didn’t talk about it. It wasn’t really part of our routine.”
That changed when Cena moved to Florida, a state notorious for its intense sunlight and year-round heat. Even then, he says he stubbornly avoided sunscreen.
“I didn’t want to have a routine. I thought I was invincible, like most people do. But with all the exposure and no protection, it caught up with me,” he said.
A Routine Check That Changed Everything
The wake-up call came during a routine visit to the dermatologist. What seemed like a simple checkup quickly turned into something far more serious when his doctor spotted a cancerous lesion on his chest—specifically, on his right pectoral.
“It’s that phone call you never want to get,” Cena said. “It’s unpredictable. You don’t know how bad it’s going to be. Your mind immediately jumps to the worst-case scenario.”
Fortunately, the cancerous spot was caught early and successfully removed. But the emotional toll of the diagnosis lingered. Cena credited his dermatologist for helping him stay grounded during a frightening and uncertain time.
“My dermatologist was incredible,” he recalled. “She held me by the hand, figuratively, and let me know I wasn’t alone. That kind of human connection—it means everything when you’re scared.”
A Second Scare—and a Wake-Up Call
Just a year later, Cena received another blow: a second skin cancer diagnosis. This time, he was more prepared, but no less alarmed.
“You try to stay strong, but your mind still goes to dark places,” he said. “You wonder, ‘Is this going to be worse than the first? Is this the one that changes everything?’”
Thankfully, the second spot was also removed without complications. But Cena says he now treats every day as an opportunity to protect himself—and others—from what he nearly didn’t see coming.
“I dodged two bullets,” he said. “And I wear those experiences as a reminder—every day—to take a few seconds to protect myself.”
From WWE Champion to Health Advocate
Cena has partnered with Neutrogena in a new campaign encouraging Americans to take sun protection seriously. He’s using his platform to urge fans, particularly younger men who often skip sunscreen, to get checked, wear protection, and never assume they’re immune.
“We talk a lot about stats and science, and that’s important,” he said. “But I think what really gets through to people is human-to-human connection. I can look you in the eye and tell you—this isn’t something you want to face if you don’t have to.”
Preparing for His Final WrestleMania
As Cena gears up for his final WrestleMania appearance—where he hopes to win a record-breaking 17th WWE Championship before retiring from in-ring action—his battle with cancer adds a powerful layer to his legacy.
He recently turned “heel” for the first time in his career, sending shockwaves through the wrestling world. But outside the ring, Cena’s transformation is even more impactful—from champion athlete to cancer survivor and public health advocate.
After this year, he plans to step away from the physical demands of wrestling, transitioning into a WWE ambassador role while continuing to build his acting career.
One Last Message to Fans
To his fans, Cena has this urgent message: “Don’t wait. Don’t assume you’re fine. Take the time to protect your skin, and get checked. It’s a few minutes that could save your life.”
He adds, “I’m grateful to still be here. I’ve been given another chance, and I plan to use it.”
If you’ve been affected by skin cancer or want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org for 24/7 live chat support.
