John Cena Reveals His Cancer Diagnosis: Fans Rally in Support
John Cena, the beloved WWE superstar and Hollywood actor, has revealed that he is battling cancer.
Known for his larger-than-life persona, Cena first captured the world’s attention in 2002 when WWE signed him. His charismatic energy and unmatched in-ring skills quickly made him a fan favorite.
Debuting on WWE’s flagship show SmackDown, Cena introduced fans to his iconic “Doctor of Thuganomics” character. Over the next 20 years, he cemented himself as one of the most influential figures in WWE history.
Branching out into Hollywood, Cena has starred in major films like Fast & Furious 9, Bumblebee, and The Suicide Squad, further establishing his place in entertainment.
Now, Cena has shared the difficult news of his cancer diagnosis, prompting an outpouring of support from his dedicated fans across social media. Fans and celebrities alike have been sending their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
One fan writes: “I really admire John Cena for being brave enough to speak out about his experience.”
Another adds, “His openness can help encourage others to prioritize their health. Thank you for sharing this important message.”
A third person shares, “This is heartbreaking; it goes to show that no matter how healthy you are, cancer doesn’t discriminate.”
Cena’s announcement comes shortly after he was revealed as the new face of Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70, a lightweight and invisible sun protector.
In the campaign, titled Sunscreen You Can’t See, Cena pays homage to his WWE roots with his iconic “You Can’t See Me” hand gesture. The video also features dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon Dr. Neera Nathan, who joins Cena in stressing the vital importance of using sunscreen daily.
In an emotional interview with People, John Cena opened up about the Neutrogena campaign, revealing that it holds a special place in his heart.
“I grew up in a small town next to Newburyport and Salisbury Beach. The Massholes call it the North Shore,” Cena recalls. “Some of my earliest memories of summer are of small carnivals and people walking the beachside.”
Cena admits that as a child, sunscreen was never a priority. Raised by his mother along with four brothers, the focus wasn’t on skin protection. Plus, in 1977, there wasn’t the same awareness about the dangers of sun exposure.
When Cena moved from New England to Florida in his early twenties, he quickly became enamored with the sun but admits he “neglected” his skin.
“I was stubborn. I didn’t want to have a routine, and I also thought the problem would never reach me,” he reflects. “I had a ton of exposure with minimal protection, and it caught up with me.”
That neglect eventually led to a life-changing diagnosis: “It wasn’t until I went to a dermatologist and got a skin checkup and had a cancerous spot removed from my right pec.”
Cena recalls the heartbreaking moment when he received the call: “You got to come back in.”
At 47, Cena expresses how grateful he is to have a great dermatologist, acknowledging that the statistics surrounding skin cancer are “overwhelming.”
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with approximately 9,500 people being diagnosed each day.
“I think the best way to hammer home a point is human-to-human connection,” Cena shares. “And I, as a human, can tell you: Man, that phone call’s not what you want to get because it is unpredictable, and you don’t know how bad it’s going to be.”
A year later, Cena went back to the dermatologist to have another spot removed near his right shoulder. “It shows up like a white polka dot on the side of my chest and on my shoulder. If you watch WWE, you’ll be able to see them.”
Now, Cena is using his platform to encourage others to take sun protection seriously. He stresses that applying sunscreen should be as routine as “brushing your teeth” — an essential step in keeping your skin healthy and protected.