When Roman Reigns took some time off at the back end of last year to treat his leukaemia, there were some WWE fans who didn't believe the seriousness of the situation.

Some WWE fans thought Reigns' leukaemia was just part of a storyline, especially when he returned to the ring after just a few months of treatment having lost only a couple of pounds and still with a full head of hair.

Speaking to Leukaemia Matters magazine, The Big Dog addressed the fan's theories about his cancer treatment, explaining why his appearance didn't change drastically while he was away from the ring. 

He said: “I think there is ignorance of leukemia. The word alone is intimidating. ‘Leukemia’ it sounds like a cancer word. It sounds like it could take your life. What people haven’t realized is the different phases.

"That’s the whole thing about me and this huge WWE platform, that’s why I want people to know. I want people to understand that it’s not what people see in the movies.

"We’re in a different place now; we are making advancements, there are things we are doing to help people and save lives – we just don’t always concentrate on those things.”

Reigns discussed as well how cancer is perceived in the media and how that might have misconstrued the appearance WWE fans thought he might have once he returned to the ring.

The Big Dog said: “In the media, what we like to talk about is very controversial, that’s what we want to discuss. We don’t want to discuss the good moments or ‘the wins’.

"With my story and the help of my medication, and the medical breakthroughs that we have, I think it’s very important to understand that. We are winning some of these battles.

"There are very specific reasons why I am maintaining the look and the health that I have, and it’s important that people know that.”

Reigns has been successful since returning to the ring in February. He's now currently involved in a feud with Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan, and he'll face Rowan at Clash of Champions later this month.