BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – She fought back tears when she sat beside her colleagues and told the people of Bexar County she had colon cancer.
One week later, Bexar County Commissioner Rebeca Clay-Flores said her diagnosis should serve as a reminder to get “checked out.”
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The Precinct 1 Commissioner sat down with KSAT Anchor Stephania Jimenez. Watch the full interview below.
“I’m tired. I’m still working to get my energy back. I’ve been someone who’s always been really high energy, so I don’t know how long it’s going to take me to get back to my pre-cancer level,” said Clay-Flores.
“I’m just grateful to be here in 2025. I’m grateful to God,” added Clay-Flores.
Gratitude came up often when KSAT spoke with the county leader. Now fresh in her second term, Clay-Flores learned she had cancer last year while she campaigned to keep her seat.
“Within 24 hours of getting my cancer diagnosis, I reframed my focus because I was like, I got to get through early voting. I got to get through this election. And, of course, in the meantime, I’m having MRIs and CAT scans,” said Clay-Flores.
Clay-Flores is still continuing her medical treatment. She declined to reveal the extent of the cancer, telling KSAT it was for one reason.
“There are so many different symptoms that people have. And so, I don’t want anyone comparing, saying, ‘Well, I don’t have that, so I’m OK. I don’t need a colonoscopy.‘” said Clay-Flores.
“It’s a heartbreaking diagnosis,” said Dr. Rolando Saenz with Methodist Hospital Metropolitan.
Dr. Saenz does not treat Clay-Flores. He’s a colorectal surgeon in Bexar County and wants people to be aware of the symptoms of colon cancer.
“Anyone that has any kind of symptom– change in bowel habits that are chronic, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, certainly weight loss [should see their doctor],” said Dr. Saenz.
“The colonoscopy remains the gold standard. And if you’re 45 or above, get your exam done,” said Dr. Saenz.
That test can be covered by insurance. And the problem is one in six people in Bexar County don’t have health coverage.
“I’m grateful that I had that kind of support, where a lot of my constituents do not,” said Clay-Flores.
That’s why the commissioner said she continues to fight to make health care more accessible.
“Once you get your colonoscopy and you’re clear, you’re good for a while, and then you don’t have to worry about it. But don’t ignore your body. Don’t ignore your doctor’s appointments. It’s really important to take care of ourselves because it could happen to you,” said Clay-Flores.
Clay-Flores also told KSAT she’s organizing a health fair for her constituents later this spring.