Colorectal Cancer Awareness

Colorectal Cancer: The Cancer No One Wanted to Talk About

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By U.S. mainland standards, Veni Folta is not the typical colorectal cancer survivor.  In the United States, 90% of all colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 50.  Folta, on the other hand, is considerably younger than that – still in her early 40s, and the mother of two young children, with no known family history of the disease. 

By CNMI standards, Folta also does not fit the mold.  Typically, and unfortunately, colorectal cancer in the CNMI is found in late stages, when the chances of successful treatment are smallest.  In Folta’s case, her colorectal cancer was detected and treated early, and she lives an active and healthy life today.   

By any standard, Folta is remarkable because she is willing to talk openly about her experiences in coping with -- and ultimately beating – colorectal cancer.  “If my success story of early detection and treatment can help just one person, then it will be all worth it,” she says, in explaining why she finds it important to share her story with others.  She adds that it is important that people “listen to their bodies and trust their intuition” because people who are mindful of their bodies will know if something is wrong. “I listened to my body, and took time from my very busy schedule to seek medical attention,” she says.  Folta eventually went through surgery, and technically, was cancer-free before she found out she had cancer: the biopsy came back after the cancer had already been removed and tested.