Which woman would not like a six yard saree? From the time of grandmothers till today, college going girls spend their lives on beautiful sarees. But do you know that wearing saree has also been shown to increase the risk of cancer. This is very scary because saree has become an integral part of every household.
In an interview to HT Lifestyle, Dr Darshana Rane, Consultant Medical Oncologist, HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali, said, ‘Saree cancer is a rare condition, which can affect women who wear sarees every day. This cancer occurs at the place of the body where the saree is tied, which is the middle part of the waist.
This is due to the tight cord of the petticoat, which is tightened at the waist to tie the saree. Due to ‘Saree Cancer’ it is also known as ‘Petticoat Cancer’. Now let us know where this research came from and what our doctors have to say on this.
Indian doctors did research
A research conducted by doctors from Bihar and Maharashtra has revealed that many Indian women tie the petticoat too tightly while wearing saree. Tying the petticoat tightly can cause constant rubbing and pressure on the skin. Doing this for a long time can cause cancer.
According to India Today, doctors have reported cases of two elderly women who developed a form of skin cancer called ’Margolin’s ulcer’. This report has been recently published in BMJ Case Reports.
Saree causes cancer in 70 year old woman
In the first case, a 70-year-old woman developed a skin ulcer on her right side, accompanied by discoloration of the skin. The tight strings of the petticoat caused long-term damage to the skin, leading to Marzoline ulcers.
Sharing her experience, the 70-year-old woman said, ‘I wore a tight saree for decades, I did not know that it could harm my health. There was a slight change in the skin which gradually turned into painful and non-healing ulcers, later I was diagnosed with skin cancer.
According to Dr. Darshana Rane, ‘When this nada is continuously tied at the same place on the waist, it causes skin irritation (dermatosis), which can further lead to the formation of ulcers (wounds) or ‘Margolin ulcers’, and In very rare cases, these lesions can turn into cancer.’
This is how to recognize the symptoms of ‘Sari Cancer’
Early symptoms of ‘Saree Cancer’: The tight navel of the petticoat can cause irritation for a long time. In the Indian summer, especially in rural areas, this problem can increase rapidly. Change in skin color or slight flaking due to tight saree can be serious symptoms.
what do doctors say
Dr. Darshana Rane explains, when the petticoat cord is tied tightly in hot and humid weather, it can cause irritation and itching due to accumulation of sweat and dust.
Due to limited health facilities in rural areas, women tend to ignore early symptoms and consult doctors only when their health deteriorates.
Churidar and dhoti can also cause cancer
Yes, if you tie your dhoti tightly and if women wear tight churidar, then you should also stay safe. Although this is a rare problem, it shows the need for awareness and prevention.
Know the method of prevention
Never wear tight clothes. Always wear comfortable clothes. Do not tie a tight belt or belt around your waist. If there is irritation and itching on the skin due to the elastic, consult a doctor immediately.
Time.news Interview: Unraveling the Risk of ‘Saree Cancer’ with Dr. Darshana Rane
Editor of Time.news (ET): Welcome, Dr. Rane! Thank you for joining us today to discuss a topic that has been on the minds of many women in India: the risk associated with saree wearing. We often think of sarees as a symbol of beauty and cultural heritage, but your research suggests there are potential health risks. Can you enlighten us on this?
Dr. Darshana Rane (DR): Thank you, it’s a pleasure to be here. Yes, sarees are indeed beautiful and an integral part of many women’s lives. However, our research has shown that wearing sarees tightly—particularly the petticoat—can lead to a rare form of skin cancer known as ‘Saree Cancer’ or ‘Petticoat Cancer.’
ET: That sounds concerning. Could you elaborate on what exactly ‘Saree Cancer’ is and how it occurs?
DR: Absolutely. ‘Saree Cancer’ is not a widely recognized term, but it describes the development of skin lesions or ‘Margolin’s ulcers’ due to prolonged irritation from tightly tied petticoats. When the petticoat strings are pulled too tight around the waist, it causes continuous friction and pressure on the skin, which can lead to irritation, resulting in ulcers. In very rare cases, these ulcers can progress to cancer.
ET: That’s quite alarming. How prevalent is this issue among women who wear sarees regularly?
DR: Our research primarily from Bihar and Maharashtra indicates that many women indeed tie their petticoat too tightly, contributing to this condition. Case studies from our medical community revealed instances of older women developing these ulcers after decades of daily use. This highlights a significant risk for women who wear sarees frequently without understanding the potential harm.
ET: You mentioned some alarming case studies in your interview with HT Lifestyle. Can you share one of these cases with us?
DR: Certainly. One notable case involved a 70-year-old woman who developed a painful ulcer on her right side. She wore tight sarees for decades without realizing the health implications. Initially, she noticed a slight alteration in her skin, which evolved into painful, non-healing ulcers. Eventually, she was diagnosed with skin cancer. Her experience underscores the importance of being aware of how we wear our sarees.
ET: That’s a sobering reminder for many. What are the symptoms women should be on the lookout for?
DR: Women should monitor for any unusual changes in the skin where the saree is tied. Symptoms might include discoloration, persistent itching, or the emergence of lumps or sores. If anyone experiences these issues, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional promptly.
ET: Prevention is always better than cure. What precautions can women take to reduce their risk?
DR: I recommend wearing sarees in a way that’s comfortable—ensuring that the petticoat is fitted but not excessively tight. Alternating between different styles of clothing can also help minimize prolonged pressure on the skin. Additionally, regular skin checks for any abnormalities can aid in early detection.
ET: This is vital information for our readers. Thank you for shedding light on this issue, Dr. Rane. Any final thoughts you would like to share?
DR: I just want to remind women that while sarees are an essential part of our culture and personal expression, health must always come first. Being informed and making small adjustments can significantly reduce risks. Thank you for having me, and I hope we can empower women with this knowledge.
ET: Thank you, Dr. Rane, for your invaluable insights. It’s crucial to spread awareness and prioritize our health while celebrating our traditions. Let’s continue this conversation and keep our communities informed!