Doctor worried toilet paper can hide colon cancer

A colorectal surgeon believes red ink and decorations in toilet paper can both cause and hide concern.

Guy Nash is the lead surgeon at Poole Hospital, he thinks "those patients bleeding will miss real blood, and those not bleeding will report 'blood' in the toilet mistakenly."

Nash continued, "in my view, it is irresponsible of the makers to have not considered this."

But not all medical professionals agree.

"I think it’s nonsense," New York gastroenterologist Dr. David Bernstein said.

Bernstein told LiveScience he's never had a patient panic because of dyes or colors in toilet paper.

But Nash sticks to his guns.

"If someone sees blood, they should call their doctor, not panic, and have it appropriately evaluated."

Nash confirms rectal bleeding isn’t uncommon and is normally caused by non-life threatening issues.

See causes and other information at WebMD.