Your Favourite Saree Might Cause Cancer? Oncologist Explains What Is Petticoat Cancer, Suggests Preventive Tips

Could you ever imagine your favourite garment, the saree, can cause you cancer? As per a recent study, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Case Reports, a trend called "petticoat cancer" is emerging. The research, which also had experts from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Uttar Pradesh on board, talked about the "site-specific malignancy," which happens when a cord is very tightly tied around the waist to position the petticoat well. "In rare cases, chronic friction may lead to the development of squamous cell carcinoma," the study stated. We asked a doctor about the phenomenon and this is what he shared.

What Is Petticoat Cancer: Doctor Explains

The BMJ report notes two case studies were considered for the research:

1) A woman, 70, complained of a persistent ulcer on the right side. Pigmentation loss was another noticeable symptom.

2) The second woman, in her late 60s, wore lugda for four decades. It's a traditional saree look flaunted by women of Chhattisgarh. She developed a similar ulcer, which spread to her lymph nodes.

Dr. Raj Vasant Nagarkar, Oncologist, Nasik, Member of DocTube, noted that while a neatly worn saree "is considered the identity of Indian women," recently, it "has been linked to causing skin cancer – infamously being called “The Petticoat cancer” (earlier called "saree cancer")."

However, saree is not the culprit here, the doctor says, adding, "Petticoat cancer is a type of skin cancer that occurs in the waistline in women. It is caused by chronic irritation of the skin by the tight drawstring in the petticoat which functions to hold the saree in place."

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As in the study, Dr. Nagarkar also observes how continuously "wearing of tightly bound saree causes friction and irritation of the skin."

"The cycle of constant damage and repair of the epidermis (the superficial layer of skin) can lead to Marjolin’s ulcer (also known as squamous cell carcinoma)– a sinister, malignant cousin of a chronic ulcer," he adds.

So, Is Petticoat Cancer A Cause of Concern?

While giving out a loud "no," the oncologist says that petticoat cancer is easily "preventable and curable." So, how to go about it? Here are a few tips Dr. Nagarkar suggested:

1. If you wear sarees daily, tie the petticoat laxly.
2. Intermittently change the level at which sarees are tied.
3. Use a broader belt and not a narrow drawstring (nada). This will evenly distribute the pressure over the skin and prevent sores around the waistline.
4. Regularly inspect the waistline.
5. Consult a doctor when in doubt.

"So ladies, wrap in elegance, not risk. Protect yourself from petticoat cancer with these simple saree tips," he wraps up.

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