Episode 28: Advancing Equity in Colorectal Cancer -
Early-Onset Trends, Disparities, and the Power of Prevention with Dr. Fola May
In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, Melissa Schenkman is joined by Dr. Fola May, gastroenterologist, health equity researcher, and all-around colorectal cancer prevention crusader. Together, they break down the complex and deeply human layers of colorectal cancer—from racial disparities and regional trends to early-onset stats that millennials can no longer afford to ignore.
Dr. May shares how her curiosity about the "black box" of the abdomen turned into a career mission, why family history made her research personal, and how advocacy became the bridge between science and policy. Together, they explore regional, racial, and age-related trends, examine the systemic gaps in early detection and follow-up care, and highlight the importance of patient-centered advocacy.
Gain insights into new screening strategies, barriers to care in underserved communities, and how policy and research must align to create measurable progress in cancer prevention.
To better understand the shifting landscape of colorectal cancer—and how we can drive change through research, education, and equity—listen to the full episode now!
Highlights:
(01:10) Dr. May’s path to gastroenterology and how personal experience deepened her commitment to research
(03:44) Understanding the racial and ethnic disparities in colorectal cancer rates and mortality
(05:21) Why Native American and Black communities face the highest disease burden
(06:11) The Southern U.S. as a regional hotspot for colorectal cancer—and what’s driving it
(07:42) The ongoing challenge of public awareness and breaking stigma around screening
(09:50) A groundbreaking study testing four outreach methods to engage 45–49 year-olds in screening
(11:17) Why digital and mail-based outreach may be more effective for younger populations
(15:38) The essential role of physician advocacy in translating research into policy
(18:11) How primary care providers can better initiate early colorectal health conversations
(20:47) The need for a shift toward preventive healthcare access and education in the U.S.
Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/
Learn more about this episode's guest, Dr. Fola May here: https://healthequity.ucla.edu/people/folasade-fola-may-md-phd-mphil/ and the May Lab here: https://www.uclahealth.org/departments/medicine/gastro/may-lab
Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Thanks again to our sponsor Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com