WWE legend John Cena has made a shocking revelation about his past battle with skin cancer. As fans continue to discuss his recent heel turn and final WrestleMania match, the 16-time world champion has now shared details about his health struggles. Cena disclosed that he was diagnosed with skin cancer twice and underwent treatment to remove cancerous spots from his body.

Cena reveals past health struggles

In a recent interview with People magazine, Cena opened up about how his upbringing and lifestyle choices contributed to his diagnosis. The WWE star, now 47, admitted that he never prioritised sun protection during his younger years, which eventually led to the health issue. He reflected on his childhood in Massachusetts, saying, “I grew up in a small town next to Newburyport and Salisbury Beach. Some of my earliest memories of summer are of small carnivals and people walking the beachside.”

Cena explained that as one of five children raised by his mother, sun protection was not a major concern at the time. “My mom (Carol) raised five boys, and I'm pretty sure she just wanted to keep us alive and healthy. She had her hands full for sure, so I certainly do not blame her. And me being born in '77, this was kind of all new knowledge.”

The former WWE champion admitted that he never made an effort to wear sunscreen, believing that he would never face any serious consequences. “I was stubborn. I didn’t want to have a routine, and I also thought the problem would never reach me. And it’s one of those things where I had a ton of exposure with minimal protection and it caught up with me,” he stated.

Cancer diagnosis and treatment

Cena revealed that his skin cancer was first detected during a routine dermatology check-up, where a cancerous spot was removed from his right pectoral muscle. A year later, a second cancerous growth was removed from his right shoulder. “It wasn’t until I went to a dermatologist and got a skin check-up and had a cancerous spot removed from my right pec,” he shared.

He expressed gratitude for the medical team that guided him through the process, saying, “I was very lucky to have a great dermatologist, who kind of, I guess for lack of a better term, held me by the hand and let me know that I wasn’t alone.”

Cena also mentioned that the scars from the procedures are still visible and can be spotted on WWE television. “It shows up like a white polka dot on the side of my chest and my shoulder,” he explained.

Promoting skin protection

Meanwhile, the wrestling icon has partnered with skincare brand Neutrogena to advocate for sun protection. He is now featured in a campaign that plays on his famous WWE catchphrase, “You can’t see me.” The initiative aims to raise awareness about the risks of prolonged sun exposure and encourage better skin care habits.

Cena’s revelation comes as he prepares for what could be his final match at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, where he is set to face Cody Rhodes. His candid discussion about his past health battle has sparked widespread conversation, particularly about the dangers of ignoring sun protection.

Signs of melanoma skin cancer

Health experts warn that early detection of melanoma is crucial. Some key symptoms include:

  • The appearance of a new mole or changes in the shape and colour of an existing mole.
  • Melanomas often have an uneven shape and contain more than one colour.
  • They are commonly found on sun-exposed areas but can also appear on the soles of the feet, palms, eyes, or genitals in rare cases.