John Cena is using his platform to deliver a critical health message: wear sunscreen—every single day.
The WWE legend, actor, and longtime fan favorite recently revealed that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer twice and is now partnering with Neutrogena to spread awareness about sun safety.
His story is both a cautionary tale and a powerful example of transformation—from a man who once shrugged off skincare to a global advocate for preventive sun protection.
“It’s one of those things where I had a ton of exposure with minimal protection, and it caught up with me,” Cena said in a recent interview.
Jump to:
- A Lifetime of Sun, Zero Sunscreen
- The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
- From Denial to Daily SPF
- A Perfect Match: Cena x Neutrogena
- His SPF Routine: Ultra Sheer, Ultra Simple
- Mental Health and the Reality of a Cancer Diagnosis
- Public Persona, Personal Mission
- The Bigger Picture: Why Sunscreen Matters
- What to Watch For: Signs of Skin Cancer
- A Call to Action From a Champion
A Lifetime of Sun, Zero Sunscreen
Cena grew up in Massachusetts in the 1970s and ’80s, where summers meant beaches, carnivals, and sun—lots of it.
But like many kids of that era, sunscreen wasn’t part of the family routine.
“My mom raised five boys,” Cena explained. “I’m pretty sure she just wanted to keep us alive and healthy. She had her hands full for sure, so I certainly don’t blame her.”
Later, when he moved to Florida in his 20s, the sun became even more central to his lifestyle. But his skin care habits didn’t change.
“I was stubborn. I didn’t want to have a routine, and I also thought the problem would never reach me.”
That mindset would come with consequences.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
It wasn’t until a routine check-up with a dermatologist that Cena’s reality shifted.
“I got a skin checkup and had a cancerous spot removed from my right pec,” he shared.
Then came the call—the kind nobody wants to receive.
“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, another spot showed up near his right shoulder. That, too, was cancerous and had to be removed.
Fans watching Cena in the wrestling ring might notice faint white marks—the scars are visible reminders of what he went through.
“It shows up like a white polka dot on the side of my chest and on my shoulder.”
From Denial to Daily SPF
The experience was a wake-up call.
Once indifferent to sunscreen, Cena says he went from “neglect” to “mass protect.”
“After getting some unfortunate news, I wanted the highest SPF number I could get my hands on. But most of that stuff leaves a white cast—it’s like wearing medicine.”
That’s where Neutrogena came in.
A Perfect Match: Cena x Neutrogena
Neutrogena approached Cena for its new Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70, a lightweight, invisible sunscreen formula.
The campaign’s theme? “Sunscreen You Can’t See.”
Who better to represent that than the man behind the globally recognized “You Can’t See Me” catchphrase?
“They said, ‘Would you mind leaning into the joke?’ And I was like, ‘Would I?!’ I’m already doing it anyway.”
What started as a clever marketing move became deeply personal.
Midway through the campaign’s production, Cena opened up to the Neutrogena team about his cancer experience.
“It was important that the partnership have a deeper meaning. I’m very fortunate to hopefully be a mouthpiece to get people to use sunscreen.”
His SPF Routine: Ultra Sheer, Ultra Simple
These days, sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of Cena’s daily life.
“When I’m home in the Florida sun, I apply Ultra Sheer lotion in the morning. Then I keep the Ultra Sheer spray close by because I like the convenience for reapplication.”
The product’s invisible finish makes it easier for him to stay consistent.
“I know that I’m not putting myself in jeopardy. And other people don’t know that I’m wearing sunscreen, which is a bonus.”
Mental Health and the Reality of a Cancer Diagnosis
Despite his tough public persona, Cena admits the diagnoses were emotionally difficult.
“My mind always goes to the worst-case scenario.”
He credits his dermatologist for helping him through the fear and uncertainty.
“I was very lucky to have a great dermatologist who kind of, for lack of a better term, held me by the hand and let me know that I wasn’t alone.”
Now, his focus is not just physical protection, but emotional resilience.
One of the mantras that helped him cope?
“How can we be better today than we were yesterday?”
Public Persona, Personal Mission
It’s not lost on Cena that he’s an unconventional face for a skincare campaign.
“Never once did I picture myself as the go-to person for a skincare campaign.”
But in many ways, that’s the point.
His reach extends beyond the wrestling ring and movie screens—making him a powerful advocate for health messaging.
“I’m so grateful to have the backing of such a dedicated audience. A very unlikely spokesperson has been able to be a spokesperson for a skincare campaign. You never know who you’re going to reach.”
The Bigger Picture: Why Sunscreen Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the CDC.
Despite this, nearly 70% of U.S. adults admit they rarely or never wear sunscreen on a daily basis.
Melanoma rates have more than doubled over the last 30 years.
Early detection and consistent sun protection remain the most effective ways to reduce risk.
Cena’s approach? Make it part of your routine, just like brushing your teeth.
“It’s not something you should do to make you look more beautiful. It’s something you should do to allow you to be who you are for a longer period of time.”
What to Watch For: Signs of Skin Cancer
The NHS and American Academy of Dermatology recommend the ABCDE method for identifying potential melanomas:
- Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
- Border: irregular or jagged edges
- Color: multiple shades in one mole
- Diameter: larger than 6mm (about a pencil eraser)
- Evolution: any change over time in shape, size, or color
For non-melanoma types like basal cell carcinoma, look for:
- Pearly, white, or waxy bumps
- Scaly red patches that won’t heal
- Lesions that bleed easily or form a crust
Squamous cell carcinoma may present as:
- Firm pink lumps
- Rough or crusted surfaces
- Ulcers that don’t heal
Anyone with a suspicious spot that doesn’t go away in 4 weeks should see a dermatologist.
A Call to Action From a Champion
Cena hopes his story reminds people to take their skin seriously—before they face the same diagnosis.
“Gosh, just take that one extra step. Brush your teeth, and put on some Neutrogena Ultra Sheer. You’ll get a lot more days to enjoy the sun.”
He may be stepping out of the ring, but his fight for skin health is just beginning.
