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Topics: Cancer, Colon cancer, Health, Instagram, Community
Callum Jones
Topics: Cancer, Colon cancer, Health, Instagram, Community
A surgeon who specialises in colon cancer has detailed the two common bathroom products she's since banned from her house due to a link with the disease.
It's always good to know about the steps we can all do take to keep ourselves healthy and minimise our risks of developing certain diseases.
Colon cancer is a particular concern in the US, with an estimated 152,810 new cases of colorectal cancer being diagnosed in the States in 2024, and approximately 53,000 people dying from the disease.
It's the third most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US, so any tips of how to reduce our risk is greatly appreciated.
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Well, Dr Karen Zaghiyan, a colon cancer surgeon based in Los Angeles, has taken to Instagram recently to share two common products often found in the bathroom she avoids amid links to the disease.
Dr Zaghiyan explained in the video how ‘mouthwash can cause a disturbance in the oral microbiome, which can then cause a disturbance in the gut bacteria as well'.
Felix Hospitals explains that some recent studies 'suggest that using mouthwash every day might increase the risk of colorectal cancer'.
It's because mouthwash contains chemicals like alcohol and antibacterial agents which can disrupt the good chemicals found and needed in your mouth.
Next up, the cancer surgeon said she's banned wet wipes from her house.
"You will never find me purchasing wet wipes. I see so many patients come in with perianal dermatitis [a rash around your anus] and skin rashes from wet wipe use," Dr Zaghiyan said.
"I never use them personally and I never use them on my children."
Experts have warned excess moisture from using wet wipes can see the growth of bad bacteria, which can be linked to colon cancer.
As per the Huffington Post, Dr. Alex Elias, a fellow colon surgeon based in California said: "The use of wet wipes is a common cause of perianal dermatitis.
"The irritation caused by wet wipes can be secondary to certain ingredients and preservatives, the disruption of good bacteria, and even the residual moisture left behind."
According to the NHS, symptoms of colon cancer include blood in your poo, tummy pain, a lump in your stomach and bloating.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.