I had a small part of my tongue removed last year and happy to say that all is still well. I swim 5 days a week and I am worried about the potential effects of swimming pool chemicals on my mouth i.e are the chemicals potentially carcinogenic?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Good Question, I also swim 4 or 5 times a week so I too would like an answer to that one. The thought had crossed my mind.

Lets hope someone will know the answer

Hello X'tine and Sue

You may find the advice given in these links helpful:

• Swimming Pools: Protecting Your Family from Environmental Health Risks
• Pool User Information: Protect Yourself from Recreational Water Illnesses

Best wishes
Vinod

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dr Vinod K Joshi,

Hi X'tine

I read the link that Dr V left for us but was still left unsure. However, I had a check up with my consultant today and I asked him about it and he confirmed that the chlorine will not do the mouth any harm whatsoever. I also had to ask him about face and back massages. I had a massage about 3 months ago with no problems from the person doing the massage, however when I went to have one at my new health club at the weekend they said that their insurance does not cover them to massage cancer patients unless they are 3 years out of treatment, so I had to sign a disclaimer, however my consultant has said that massages are also Ok and in fact they sometimes do facials around the area to help the flow through the Lymph Glands.

I will therefore carry on as normal. I don't know whether you have ever had a sauna but I find that difficult as it dries the mouth out, but I love the steam room.

Hope you are OK.

Regards

Sue

Hi Sue
I think I will ere on the side of moderate caution and try not to get the water in my mouth. I have been really very lucky with my tongue cancer. It was spotted in the very early stage by my wonderful dentist and treatment at the Chesterfield Royal Hospital was very prompt. I feel very humbled when I read all the courageous accounts of other people’s cancers. As a former smoker, lung cancer was always at the back of my mind but never did I imagine that I could get cancer in my mouth.
Godd luck to everyone.
Best wishes
Christine