Los Angeles-based colon cancer surgeon has issued a warning about two surprisingly common household items she’s completely banned from her home—mouthwash and wet wipes—due to concerns over their potential link to colorectal cancer.
Dr. Karen Zaghiyan, who specializes in colon cancer treatment, took to Instagram to share why she’s ditched these staples many of us use daily. Her reason? Mounting evidence that they could quietly be increasing the risk of developing one of the most common and deadly forms of cancer in the U.S.
Colorectal cancer is no small threat. In 2024 alone, over 150,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., with more than 50,000 people projected to lose their lives to the disease. It ranks as the third most common cancer diagnosis and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths nationwide.
Dr. Zaghiyan highlighted that while mouthwash may seem like a harmless hygiene tool, its ingredients—particularly alcohol and antibacterial agents—can disrupt the natural balance of the oral microbiome. This imbalance, she explained, can cascade into the gut, where it may affect the health of the intestinal bacteria linked to colorectal health. Some studies have even suggested that daily mouthwash use might increase the risk of developing colon cancer.
But it doesn’t stop there. Wet wipes, another bathroom staple, are also off the table in Dr. Zaghiyan’s household. “You will never find me purchasing wet wipes,” she said. “I see so many patients come in with perianal dermatitis and skin rashes from wet wipe use.” The moisture and preservatives in wipes can irritate the skin and foster the growth of harmful bacteria—both of which may raise the risk of inflammation and other issues tied to colon health.
Supporting her concerns, Dr. Alex Elias, another colon surgeon, confirmed that irritation caused by wet wipes is common. He noted that these reactions can stem from not only chemical ingredients but also the leftover moisture disrupting the body’s natural balance of bacteria.
With colon cancer rates continuing to rise, especially among younger adults, experts say it’s worth paying closer attention to the products we use daily—especially if they could be quietly working against our gut health.
