Introduction
John Cena — 17-time WWE World Champion, beloved actor, and tireless philanthropist — recently revealed a deeply personal health challenge: he was diagnosed with skin cancer not once, but twice. His candid story has become a powerful reminder of the importance of sun protection, regular skin checks, and breaking the stigma surrounding men’s health.
What Did John Cena Have? Skin Cancer Revealed
On March 31, 2025, John Cena publicly disclosed that he had overcome skin cancer twice, with the cancerous spots surgically removed from his chest (pectoralis) and right shoulder.
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First Diagnosis: Detected on his chest during a routine dermatological check-up.
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Second Diagnosis: Approximately a year later, another spot was found and removed from his right shoulder.
Cena described receiving the diagnosis as “sobering” and “unpredictable,” expressing gratitude for early detection but acknowledging how frightening the experience was.
Why Did It Happen to Him? Sun Neglect and Prevention Gaps
Cena admitted that during his youth and early adulthood, he was “stubborn” about protecting his skin — he rarely, if ever, used sunscreen. Growing up in Massachusetts and spending time in sunny Florida, he underestimated the cumulative damage of sun exposure TalksportNew York Post.
Dermatologists note that many men share this mindset — neglecting preventive care and sunscreen — leading to delayed diagnosis and greater risk.
What Type of Skin Cancer Did Cena Have?
The public sources note that John Cena had skin cancer, but they do not specify whether it was melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, or squamous cell carcinoma.
Dermatologists classify skin cancer broadly into:
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Non-melanoma skin cancers (most common):
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Basal cell carcinoma — slow-growing, rarely spreads.
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Squamous cell carcinoma — can spread if untreated.
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Melanoma — less common but most dangerous due to high metastasis risk.
Regardless of the exact type, Cena’s outcomes highlight the importance of early detection and treatment.
John Cena’s Advice: Turning a Scare into a Safety Movement
Sunscreen Advocacy & Campaigns
Cena teamed up with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF to promote sun safety, encouraging daily sunscreen use, even on cloudy days or through car windows.
Smart Habits to Make SPF Stick
As part of his campaign:
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Place sunscreen next to toothpaste to make application part of daily routine.
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Carry a “doc bag” with sunscreen, cologne, and essentials to encourage reapplication during the day.
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Emphasize reapplication every two hours, especially when outdoors or sweating.
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Cover often-missed areas like ears, lips, back of legs, scalp (especially with thinning hair), and behind straps.
Regular Skin Checks
Cena now performs routine skin exams and urges others to schedule annual dermatologist visits — more frequent if risk factors apply.
The Broader Takeaway: Men’s Health & Skin Cancer Awareness
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Men are 34% less likely than women to visit a dermatologist.
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They often delay seeking medical attention until symptoms are advanced.
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Misconceptions about “base tans” or only needing SPF at the beach remain common.
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Skin cancers often appear as warts, scaly spots, or pimples that don’t heal — reminding us that “ugly moles” aren’t the only warning signs.
John Cena’s experience is more than celebrity news — it’s a wake-up call for men everywhere to protect their skin and prioritize their health.
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