Clay-Flores urges everyone over 45 years old to get a colonoscopy.
SAN ANTONIO — In her office, Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores made a space for a conversation regarding her cancer diagnosis made public Tuesday.
Sitting across the table she explained how she is not going to let this diagnosis get the best of her.
“My life did not end at the diagnosis,” Clay-Flores said.
She says instead, she gained a new perspective.
The commissioner who already advocates for better access to healthcare, is now looking deeper at the importance of preventative care, which includes colonoscopies.
“I didn’t know I should’ve had a colonoscopy as a preventative health measure,” she said.
Clay-Flores is referencing the age requirement. If she would’ve known it had changed, she would have gone earlier.
By the age of 45 the American Cancer Society recommends those at average risk get a colonoscopy. That age requirement used to be set at 50.
A new study published by ACS also shows that early-onset colorectal cancer cases are rising in the U.S.
Clay-Flores also never realized her race played a role in her diagnosis. Her doctor informed her that African Americans have a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
“If you are in your 40s and black, you need to go to your doctor and schedule a colonoscopy,” Clay-Flores added.
She mentioned her friends, community and faith as what helped her in her treatment journey.
She mentioned partnering with health fairs in the months to come and depending on future long term care she may miss some future commissioner court meetings.
“We need to know that it can affect anybody,” she said. “My doctors kept saying I was young and healthy…so I will continue to talk about the need to get more exercise to drink more water as we continue this journey together and I’m so happy I’m here to continue this journey in this life.”