John Cena has opened up about the habit he wishes he'd adopted earlier in life - before he learned that two spots on his skin were cancerous.
The WWE star-turned-actor revealed his skin cancer diagnosis earlier this year, explaining that he'd gone to a dermatologist for a skin checkup and had a spot removed from his right pec.
After the appointment, Cena received a call from his doctor asking him to come back in.
The spot was cancerous - but Cena told People he was 'lucky' to have a dermatologist who supported him through the process following his diagnosis.
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One year later, Cena was back at the doctor.
The 48-year-old explained: “A year later I went back and had another spot removed close to my 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.”
'It right there prompted me to change my life'
In a new interview cited by USA Today, Cena explained that the second spot was also cancerous.
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“I received the phone call twice, ‘Hey, you’ve got to come back, because the biopsy came back cancerous,’” he said. “That information is sobering, and it right there prompted me to change my life.”
Cena has been treated for his spots, but admitted to previously having 'neglected' his skin, especially when going outside. Now, he wishes he'd known earlier about the importance of protecting your skin from the Sun.
The actor is now the face of the new Neutrogena campaign for Ultra Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 70, and he's adopted sunscreen into his daily routine.
“SPF is more common in the vernacular of women, and that’s because it is directly correlated with beauty,” the actor said.
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However, he added: “Men especially are becoming more conscious of self-care. … I just think we need to make it more commonplace.”
'My perspective on life has changed'
Cena is now hoping to try and reframe sunscreen as a regular part of daily health, saying: “If someone uses SPF, because they don't want to get wrinkles, it’s like someone going to the gym saying, ‘I want to be ripped.’ But being ‘ripped’ is essentially making healthier choices.
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“So you can go to the gym for aesthetic purposes, but the reward of training goes far more than just aesthetic beauty. I think SPF is in the same lane.”
The actor also pointed out how simple it is to put on sunscreen every day, adding: “I've done some pretty aspirational things in the strength and health department, as far as nutritional choices and training regimens, and that’s really complicated, difficult stuff.”
By contrast, wearing sunscreen is just like 'brushing your teeth'.
Hoping his message sinks in, Cena added: “My perspective on life has changed, but it took some real sobering news. I don't want anybody to get there, so I’m just trying to use my platform to get ahead of that one.”
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If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Emily Brown