Gerrard Kaonga
John Cena has called on everyone to do checks for cancer as he opens up about his own journey and the treatment he received.
Cancer is often considered a scary or dirty word as the disease can prove to be unpredictable. However, wrestler John Cena has called on everyone to do checks for their own benefit and health.
Speaking to PEOPLE, Cena spoke about his own skin cancer diagnosis and the fear that set in when he received the news.
A trip to the dermatologist revealed 'a cancerous spot' on his 'right pec' but thankfully the spot was able to be removed.
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Cena had to have another spot removed around a year later and he admits it's not always easy stopping his mind going to 'the worst-case scenario'.
Cena is now promoting the use of sunscreen with Neutrogena but beyond that has implored everyone to check for cancerous lumps and moles.
The American Cancer society has said that doing a skin self-exam once a month is recommended and said this is particularly important in those who are at higher risk of skin cancer.
Those that are normally considered high risk include people with reduced immunity, people who have had skin cancer before, people who have lots of moles or other skin spots, and people with a strong family history of skin cancer.
The website also outlined how to do the checks simply while at home.
To do the checks, you should be in a well-lit room, have a full length mirror as well as a smaller mirror in order to effectively check for signs of cancer.
The society said when checking you must: “Check your face, ears, neck, chest, and belly. Women will need to lift their breasts to check the skin underneath.
“Check your underarm areas, both sides of your arms, the tops and palms of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your fingernails.”
When sitting down you should then: “Check the front of your thighs, shins, tops of your feet, in between your toes, and under your toenails.
“Now use a hand mirror to look at the bottoms of your feet, your calves, and the backs of your thighs, first checking one leg and then the other.
“Use the hand mirror to check your buttocks, genital area, lower and upper back, and the back of your neck and ears. Or it may be easier to look at your back in the wall mirror using a hand mirror.
“Use a comb or hair dryer to part your hair so that you can check your scalp."
The cancer society also outlined what you should be keeping an eye out for.
These signs include a new, expanding, or changing growth, spot, or bump on the skin, a sore that bleeds and/or doesn’t heal after several weeks, a rough or scaly red patch, which might crust or bleed.
They also warned of wart-like growths, a mole (or other spot on the skin) that’s new or changing in size, shape, or color, a mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or areas of different colors.