12-05-2025
John Cena cancer diagnosis at center of Neutrogena sunscreen partnership
Neutrogena launched a new campaign for their Ultra SheerFace Liquid Mineral Sunscreen SPF 70. The face of the campaign may come as a surprise: WWE superstar-turned-actor John Cena.
The sunscreen contains a high SPF formula aimed at protecting the skin from harsh UV rays. Since the product is advertised as invisible, the campaign draws inspiration from Cena's iconic catchphrase, "You can't see me." But for Cena, the campaign is also personal.
The wrestling champion opened up to USA TODAY on May 12 about his experience finding out he had skin cancer on two separate occasions.
The first cancerous spot, which was removed and sent for testing, was discovered on his left pectoral muscle during a routine visit to the dermatologist. His second was noticed a year later on his left upper trapezius muscle, USA TODAY reported.
Cena began integrating sunscreen into his daily routine, telling USA TODAY it was his way of showing 'gratitude' after his cancer scares.
"My perspective on life has changed, but it took some real sobering news," told USA TODAY. "I don't want anybody to get there, so I'm just trying to use my platform to get ahead of that one."
More: John Cena's cancer diagnosis was 'sobering.' Here's what he wished he knew sooner.
John Cena is a 17-time World Wrestling Entertainment Champion, New York Times best-selling author and American actor.
The wrestler-turned-actor, spent over two decades in the ring and has starred in movies like "F9," "Ricky Stanicky" and "Daddy's Home 2."
Cena reportedly lives in a $4 million Florida mansion within the Land O' Lakes community, roughly a two-and-a-half hour drive from Daytona Beach, according to Google Maps.
In 2012, he was an honorary starter of the 54th annual Daytona 500, and was an honorary pace car driver of the 58th Daytona 500 in 2016.
The campaign also features dermatologist and skin cancer surgeon Dr. Neera Nathan, raising awareness for skin cancer.
'Skincare is a more palatable and accepted term and subject matter amongst women,' Cena told USA TODAY. "Discussions between men can be more difficult to initiate. But it doesn't have to be that way, he argues. 'Men especially are becoming more conscious of self-care… I just think we need to make it more commonplace.'
The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
John Cena revealed that he was diagnosed with skin cancer twice.
He had two spots, one on his chest and the other on his shoulder, that were found to be cancerous.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and in the world, says the Skin Cancer Foundation.
The foundation highlights the following statistics:
1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent
Skin cancer shows up on the skin in many ways. Sometimes, skin cancer, like basal cell carcinoma, can be mistaken for a pimple as most grow slowly.
If you notice any changes on your skin, including a new growth or a change in an old mole, talk to your doctor.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion offers tips to lower skin cancer risks:
Limit contact with UV radiation. Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
Cover up with long sleeves, long pants or a long skirt, a hat, and sunglasses.
Put on broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
Don't use indoor tanning machines.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: John Cena skin cancer sparked the WWE star to use his platform more
