WWE sensation and actor John Cena recently spoke about his previous fight with skin cancer to highlight the importance of sun protection. In a media interview, Cena conceded that in his younger days he didn’t use sunscreen, thinking he was not susceptible to the risks. “I was obstinate. I did not want to have a routine, and I also used to believe that the issue would never touch me.”. And it’s one of those things where I had a huge amount of exposure with little protection and it caught up with me,” he said in an interview with People magazine.
The 48-year-old wrestler stated that he was diagnosed with skin cancer twice, first at a routine dermatological examination where a cancerous lesion was surgically removed from his chest. A year later, doctors also found and removed a spot on his shoulder. Cena appreciated having an expert dermatologist to guide him through the anxiety of the diagnosis. “Man, that telephone call’s not one you wish to receive because it is uncontrollable and you have no idea how bad it is going to be,” he added. Scars from his operations can be noticed by WWE fans when watching him on TV. It appears as a white polka dot on the side of my chest and on my shoulder.”
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer arises when skin cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably, usually as a result of extended sun exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Under normal circumstances, old skin cells die off and are shed and replaced by new cells, but when this process is broken, excessive cell growth can cause the development of cancerous or noncancerous tumors.
If not treated, skin cancer may invade adjacent tissues or other parts of the body. Early treatment and detection can result in a high cure rate.
The most aggressive form of skin cancer is melanoma, which develops in melanocytes—cells that produce melanin, the pigment that colors the skin and protects it from UV damage. Melanoma is so serious because it can metastasize to other organs if not caught in an early stage.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Physicians recommend that skin cancer may manifest in various forms, depending on the type. One of the common ways to detect possible skin cancer is the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry – One side of the mole appears different from the other side.
- Border – The mole’s edges are irregular or fuzzy.
- Color – Color variations, including shades of brown, black, red, or white.
- Diameter – Moles larger than the tip of a pencil eraser are potentially suspicious.
- Evolution – Growth, changing shape or color over time.
Additional signs and symptoms are:
- A new mole or mole change, including bleeding.
- A pearly or waxy growth, particularly on the face, ears, or neck.
- A flat red or pink area on the skin.
- Scar-like patches on the skin.
- Long-lasting sores that heal.
- Rough, scaly spots that can itch, bleed, or crust over.
Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?
According to experts, in the majority of instances, skin cancer can be avoided by reducing sun exposure and preventing sunburns. UV rays, over time, can do extensive damage to the skin, which can lead to cancer.
One of the best methods of preventing skin cancer is applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Dermatologists suggest applying sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and using it every day, even on cloudy days or winter.
Cena’s experience is a reminder of the need for sun protection and skin checkups on a regular basis to catch issues early.