May 04, 2026
Thanks to advances in treatment, many types of cancer diagnoses are less daunting than they once were.
Still, they can be jarring, especially for people who didn’t consider themselves to be at risk.
Two specialists at Fox Chase Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Northeast Philadelphia, say they’re seeing more of those cases in their practices.
Dr. Stephanie Greco, a melanoma specialist at Fox Chase Cancer Center, said she often treats patients who are surprised by their diagnosis.
Stephanie H. Greco, MD, FACS
“I have lots of patients who say, ‘I don’t go out in the sun anymore. How did I get this?’” Dr. Greco said.
Melanoma is most commonly linked to ultraviolet exposure from the sun or tanning beds, but risk can build over time.
“That damage builds over time, even if it’s not obvious right away,” Dr. Greco said. “People may not connect something that happened years ago with a diagnosis later in life.”
Skin damage from UV exposure is cumulative. Sunburns and tanning, particularly earlier in life, can increase the risk of melanoma years later.
People who have had multiple blistering sunburns or who used tanning beds are at higher risk.
Although melanoma is more common in older adults, it’s also one of the more common cancers in young adults, especially young women.
Prevention focuses on limiting UV exposure and protecting the skin.
That includes wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and avoiding tanning beds.
Dr. Greco also recommends regular skin checks, including having someone examine areas that are difficult to see.
People should watch for moles that are asymmetrical, have uneven borders, multiple colors, a larger diameter, or those that have changed over time.
Melanoma is typically treated by removing the affected tissue. When it’s detected early, outcomes are often favorable.
While melanoma is tied to UV exposure, doctors say another shift is happening with cancers linked to the human papillomavirus, or HPV.
Akina Tamaki, MD, FACS
“These are patients who are blindsided and mystified,” Dr. Tamaki said. “They don’t fit the profile they expected.”
HPV is extremely common. Most sexually active people are exposed to it, and in many cases the body clears it without causing harm.
However, certain high-risk strains can persist for years and eventually lead to cancer, including cervical, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.
Oropharyngeal cancer develops in part of the throat, including the tonsils and the back of the tongue.
Today, Dr. Tamaki said about 70% of new cases are associated with HPV rather than smoking or alcohol use.
There’s a vaccine that can help prevent the most dangerous types of HPV. It’s typically recommended for children around ages 11 or 12, before potential exposure to the virus.
While screening has helped reduce rates of certain HPV-related cancers, such as cervical cancer, there’s currently no routine screening test for HPV-related head and neck cancers.
That makes awareness of symptoms especially important.
Many symptoms, such as throat or ear pain or a neck mass, can be linked to more common conditions and are often overlooked.
“If symptoms persist or don’t improve over time, it’s important to get them evaluated,” Dr. Tamaki said. “There are specialized exams that can be done by a head and neck surgeon to help identify issues that may not be visible during a routine visit.”
Warning signs can include difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, ear pain, unexplained lumps in the neck, sores in the mouth that don’t heal, and unexplained weight loss.
People who experience persistent or worsening symptoms should talk with a healthcare provider.
Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these modalities, depending on the case.
Both melanoma and HPV-related head and neck cancers are often highly treatable when caught early.
“Cancers that are found earlier are generally easier to treat and have better outcomes,” Dr. Greco said. “If something doesn’t feel right or isn’t going away, it’s worth getting checked.”
If you notice persistent or unusual symptoms, start with your primary care provider. If further evaluation is recommended, Fox Chase Cancer Center offers specialized care and advanced treatment options. Learn more or request an appointment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
