- World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star John Cena revealed he’s been diagnosed with skin cancer twice.
- The 48-year-old wrestler is now the face of a new campaign urging people to wear sunscreen.
- Most forms of skin cancer can be treated, however, some types can be life threatening if not caught early.
- Wearing sunscreen daily, seeking shade, and checking your skin regularly can help lower your skin cancer risk.
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer that can affect almost anyone.
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) star John Cena recently revealed that he was diagnosed with skin cancer twice. The 48-year-old said he previously “neglected” sunscreen. Now, the 17-time WWE world champion is raising awareness about the importance of sunscreen for skin cancer prevention.
Cena’s first skin spot was discovered on his chest during a routine appointment with his dermatologist. A year later, a second cancerous spot was discovered on his back.
“I received the phone call twice, ‘Hey, you’ve got to come back, because the biopsy came back cancerous,” Cena told USA Today. “That information is sobering, and it right there prompted me to change my life.”
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Since his two cancer diagnoses, Cena began integrating sunscreen into his routine. Now, he wants more people — especially men — to do the same.
As the face of a new sunscreen campaign for Neutrogena, Cena is urging people to wear sunscreen to lower their skin cancer risk.
“Skin care is a more palatable and accepted term and subject matter amongst women,” he told USA Today. “Men, especially, are becoming more conscious of self-care… I just think we need to make it more commonplace.”
Jeff Yorio, MD, clinical researcher and oncologist at Texas Oncology in Austin, said that when a well-known figure like Cena talks about their skin cancer diagnosis, it really makes a difference in how people view sun safety.
“Celebrities can help break down the stigma around skin cancer, making it easier for others to seek help and advice,” he told Healthline.
Double board certified dermatologist Saami Khalifian, MD, agreed. He said he typically sees an uptick in patients asking about their suspicious moles after celebrities speak out.
Khalifian noted Cena’s diagnosis is a reminder that skin cancer can happen to anyone.
Understanding how skin cancer develops can help lower your risk.
Khalifian stressed the importance of sunscreen use for preventing skin cancer. He said it can act as your skin’s “first line of defense.”
Sunscreen helps block or absorb harmful UV radiation (UVA and UVB), which can damage DNA in skin cells and lead to skin cancers such as:
- basal cell carcinoma
- squamous cell carcinoma
- melanoma
A common misconception is that you only need to wear sunscreen on hot, sunny days. Khalifian said this isn’t the case.
”Wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days or indoors, is key since UV rays can still penetrate windows. Making sunscreen a habit is one of the best things you can do for your skin’s long-term health,” he noted.
Not all skin cancers are the same. Knowing the difference can help you spot the signs.
“Skin cancer is often categorized as melanoma or non-melanoma,” Yorio explained.
“Melanoma is less common than non-melanoma skin cancer but tends to be more aggressive with a higher risk of metastasizing (spreading) to other parts of the body.”
Melanoma, if not treated quickly and effectively, can be life threatening.
The most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma. “This type of cancer rarely spreads to distant sites in the body, but it can be disfiguring and may invade nearby tissues,” Yorio explained.
The second most common type of non-melanoma skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.
Yorio said that although this type of cancer is more likely to metastasize (spread to lymph nodes or other sites in the body) than basal cell carcinoma, metastasis is still rare.
“Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma most commonly develop on sun-exposed parts of the skin, but can develop on other parts of the skin as well,” he said.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, with any form of skin cancer, early detection is key.
“Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are less likely to spread, but they can still cause significant damage to the skin and tissue, especially in sensitive or visible areas [if left untreated],” Khalifian explained.
With melanoma, early detection is critical. “If it’s not caught early, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, making it much harder to treat and potentially life threatening,” Khalifian said.
He recommended checking your skin regularly and visiting your dermatologist for annual screenings.
Treatment for skin cancer will depend on the type and how early it’s caught.
“For most cases, surgical excision is the first treatment, where we remove the cancerous tissue along with a small margin of healthy tissue,” Khalifian explained.
For sensitive or visible areas, like the face, Khalifian said Mohs micrographic surgery is preferred, as it preserves healthy tissue while ensuring all cancerous cells are removed.
Most skin cancers are preventable. Cena’s diagnosis is a reminder to wear sunscreen and be proactive about prevention.
“When choosing sunscreen, look for one that’s at least SPF 30 and broad-spectrum to protect against both UVA and UVB rays,” Khalifian advised.
It’s important to apply it generously to all exposed areas of the skin. “Don’t forget those often-missed spots like your ears, neck, and the backs of your hands,” Khalifian noted.
You should reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating. If you’re spending extended time outdoors, wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses is a good idea.
“Alternatively, you can seek shade whenever possible,” Khalifian added.
Checking your skin regularly is also important. When looking for abnormalities, Yorio recommended following the ABCDE’s of skin cancer:
- Asymmetry (One half of the mole or spot doesn’t match the other half)
- Borders (Irregular borders can be a warning sign).
- Color (A mole or spot that has different/uneven colors).
- Diameter (A mole or spot that is over 6mm in size).
- Evolving (A mole or spot that is new or changing).
If you notice any of these changes, Yorio said you should have them checked out by your doctor or dermatologist.
