A cancer patient has issued a stark warning about an often-overlooked risk of chemotherapy, urging people not to use the same bathroom as someone undergoing treatment.
Misty Myers, 42, who is currently battling stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer, shared her insight on TikTok, highlighting how chemotherapy can pose dangers to other household members.
“It is recommended that the person receiving treatment use a separate toilet from everyone else in the house,” Misty, a mother of eight, explained in her video.
If using a separate toilet isn’t possible, she advised flushing three times with the lid down and thoroughly cleaning the toilet immediately after use.
She explained that flushing with the lid open can cause water droplets—containing chemotherapy chemicals—to become airborne, landing on surrounding surfaces and posing a risk to others.
Potential Side Effects of Exposure
Misty warned that even indirect contact with chemotherapy waste could lead to a range of health issues, including dizziness, skin rashes, nausea, vomiting, and other adverse reactions.
More concerning, she noted that long-term exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancer and fertility issues. “There’s a higher risk of infertility for cancer patients after chemotherapy, but exposure to others in the household could also have long-term effects,” she said.
Her advice? “Make sure you’re using proper precautions in your house and cleaning with Clorox or other disinfectants as needed.”
Experts Weigh In
According to OncoLink, a trusted cancer information site, the risks of limited exposure to chemotherapy waste are not fully understood, but “it’s best to avoid exposure whenever possible.”
The site explains that prolonged exposure—such as in healthcare settings—has been linked to birth defects, miscarriages, and even an increased risk of cancer. However, those caring for cancer patients at home should also take precautions.
A Hidden Danger in Cancer Treatment
Beyond household exposure, chemotherapy itself carries significant risks. Last year, experts raised concerns over a potentially lethal side effect affecting one in 50 patients.
The complication, which destroys healthy cells and can lead to organ failure, is often preventable—but only if doctors test patients for a specific enzyme deficiency before starting treatment.
According to BMJ Oncology, cancer diagnoses in the U.S. are expected to reach a record two million cases this year, with approximately half of those patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation.
Chemotherapy works by targeting fast-growing cells, including cancerous ones. However, it also attacks healthy cells, such as blood cells and hair follicles, leading to well-known side effects like hair loss and weakened immunity.
While the treatment is often life-saving, Misty’s message highlights an important conversation around safety—not just for cancer patients, but for those around them.
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