Viola Mata likes to dance.

And even though she doesn’t miss a beat, just last year she almost missed the entire show. “My neighbor noticed that I was dragging my feet when I was walking.”

Viola had a brain tumor and didn’t even know it. “By the time I came in on the 11th.  I was very weak.”

And by the time she saw a doctor, it was almost too late. “He said we should have done the surgery yesterday.”

Brain tumors are among the deadliest of all forms of cancers. 

And doctors say Hispanics who contract this disease are especially vulnerable to its consequences.

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Viola Mata likes to dance.

“The Hispanic community, especially those who many not speak English well may have even a more difficult time,” said Dr. Pamela New, Neurology Director at the Methodist Neurological Institute. “Some has to do with Socioeconomic status, some has to do with their the culture.”

The most common symptoms include: Headaches, weakness, difficulty coordinating hands or feet and difficulty speaking. 

Experts say friends and family are usually the first to notice.

Viola’s symptoms were first noticed by her sister who later told her a

a few words that became a life lesson.

“Cancer will not kill your soul. You know, and cancer cannot take your hope and it can not take away your faith,” said Viola.