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Too young for cancer? Colorectal cancer is challenging that assumption.
By Shreya Jyotishi, Rosana Wahdat, Ghita Qordamet, Yinqi Xiao and Katalina Valdez August 7, 2026 Youthcast Media Group® Yesenia Barrios woke up from anesthesia after a colonoscopy with one thing on her mind: food. The 27-year-old nanny living in New York joked with a medical assistant in the recovery area about getting some crackers after fasting for a full day of pre-procedure prep. The nurse delivered only a serious look in return. Minutes later, doctors told Barrios they w
Aug 75 min read
When Western medicine doesn’t account for culture, patients may seek care elsewhere
By Cara Kelly, Preontee Barua, Alice Cheng, Mariamawit Nega, Ximena Puican and Maria Romero August 7, 2026 Youthcast Media Group® Sly Young doesn’t always believe in “woo-woo” medicine. But she comes from a long line of traditional healers predisposed to trust themselves over conventional Western medicine. Which is one reason why, when she felt her treatment for her neurodivergence and chronic post traumatic stress become less effective during the pandemic, she started explor
Aug 76 min read
For young women, barriers often delay breast cancer detection and care
This story was published May 8, 2026 in The Courier-Journal. By Sarah Gandluri April 16, 2025 Youthcast Media Group® When Meghan Schanie felt a lump in her breast at age 31, she was juggling a full-time job and two young toddlers. Cancer was the furthest thing from her mind. Her primary care doctors initially told her it was likely nothing - a blocked milk duct or an infection, which are common among young women who have recently been breastfeeding. Because of her age and a
Apr 165 min read
Sports injuries pose financial threat to teens, families
By Caleb Lenn and Michael Pewett April 16, 2026 Youthcast Media Group® Miah Henderson, a sophomore at Annandale High School in Annandale, Va., suffered a fractured back and ankle at a gymnastics meet. The cost was staggering. Miah Henderson (courtesy of Henderson). “Luckily, insurance covered it,” Henderson said. Others are not so lucky. Sophomore Annandale basketball player Samuel Greene worries about getting reinjured. “Injuries can be very expensive, and I’ve already inj
Apr 162 min read
How celebrities sharing illnesses affects public perception, awareness and understanding
By Ariahna Santiago and Hajar Aboueddahab April 16, 2026 Youthcast Media Group ® Celebrities often use their platforms to promote projects, partnerships, and brands. But when they speak openly about their own health struggles, that influence can take on a different role in shaping public perception and increasing awareness of serious conditions. Dr. Joshua Sharfstein is shown in October 2025 with Youthcast Media Group student Luciana Diaz, who is holding the book he co-author
Apr 165 min read
No Tryouts, No Travel, Just Play: Philadelphia Organizations Offer Youth Low-Stakes and Low-Cost Chance at Sports
By Eyitemi Odusola, Alanna Nicholson, Piper Mangold, Gabrielle Garcia and Natalie Spina June 27, 2025 Youthcast Media Group® On a Tuesday...
Jun 27, 20256 min read
Texas youth face barriers to sports participation
By Bethel Kifle, Cindy Tiny, Angel Trevi ño and Lauren Wong May 28, 2025 Youthcast Media Group® This story was posted on The Barbed...
May 28, 20256 min read
Team bonding drives success on the field and connection between players
By Noah Lenn, William Holt and Michael Pewett May 28, 2025 Youthcast Media Group® “Airball!” Esaw Ghiorghis, captain of the varsity...
May 28, 20253 min read
Women continue to face misdiagnosis, dismissive doctors, especially for chronic and pain-related conditions
September 5, 2024 By Sofia Saavedra and Jasmin Dinh Youthcast Media Group® Imagine you walk into a doctor’s office because you’ve been...
Sep 5, 20245 min read
Cancer care brings grandmother, teen closer together
June 23, 2024 By Josephina Aguilar Youthcast Media Group® Josephina Aguilar is an alias as the author wishes to remain anonymous. My...
Jun 23, 20243 min read
Youth who act as caregivers for family members need extra support, in and out of school
June 21, 2024 By Josephina Aguilar Youthcast Media Group® Josephina Aguilar is an alias as the author wishes to remain anonymous....
Jun 21, 20243 min read
Poor Air Quality May Have More Impact on the Health of Vulnerable Communities
November 30, 2023 By Courtney Curtis, Marymanita Mensah, Johnathan Morales, Daniel Oloju, Shaunavahn Reid, Janae Wilson and Anthony Yang...
Nov 30, 20234 min read
Why wear a mask in 2023?
July 28, 2023 By Rodshi Taiyabah Youthcast Media Group ® Headshot of Rodshi Taiyabah (Courtesy of Rodshi) Getting ready for school before...
Jul 28, 20233 min read
Illegal dumping in the Bronx isn’t just ugly – it’s a health hazard
Illegally dumped furniture off of exit 5 of the Bronx River Parkway in the Van Nest neighborhood of the Bronx. Photo Yesenia Barrios By...
Dec 22, 20225 min read
“I am not broken, I just need help”
Young caregiver and experts talk about the challenges of being a youth caregiver By Yesenia Barrios Abigail Gafter was 12 years old when...
Apr 29, 20223 min read
Systemic racism spurs COVID-19 to hit Florida communities of color harder
Lack of access to services, fresh foods, vaccination sites increased vulnerability, experts say By Julianne Hill, Justin Fernandez,...
Feb 16, 20225 min read
Health disparities hit survival rates for cancer, COVID
By Jayne O’Donnell, Julianne Hill, and Enijah Brennon This story was published in the AFRO . Leana Wen knew her mother, who got winded...
Dec 16, 20217 min read
As Grief Sweeps Nation from Violence, COVID-19 Deaths, Survivors ‘Suffering in Silence’
Josephine Chu, Amora Campbell and Madeleine Voth, Urban Health Media Project This story appeared in the Washington Informer on Jan. 9,...
Jun 17, 20216 min read
Families face obstacles fighting lead poisoning during pandemic
By Roman Sardo-Longo, Lal Tluang, Tam Chau, and TerNay Gay Youthcast Media Group ® This story was published in FreshWater online...
Jun 7, 20216 min read
Amid toll of COVID-19, violence compounds grief for families of homicide victims
By Radiah Jamil, Kayla Johnson and Diamond Thomas-Dean Youthcast Media Group® This story was also published in The Philadelphia Tribune ...
Jun 7, 20215 min read
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