Do you too, after wearing a saree the whole day, notice a deep, rub mark made by the petticoat string on your waist? If yes, then do not ignore it as just a small matter. In recent times, a scary term associated with this problem has been doing the rounds: “Sari Cancer.” Hearing this, you might think that wearing a saree causes cancer, but it is not so at all. This is not related to wearing the saree, but to tying the petticoat incorrectly and carelessness over a long period of time. Let us know from Dr. Success Baghmar (Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad) about how saree cancer occurs and what steps can be taken to avoid it.
What is Saree Cancer?
In medical language, this condition is known as ‘Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma’. This is a type of skin cancer, which occurs due to continuous rubbing and irritation on the skin of the waist. According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancer cases are on the rise in India, but skin cancer—and especially saree cancer—is still rare.
Its main reasons
This cancer does not happen overnight; Rather, it is the result of decades of negligence:
**Constant Rubbing:** By tying the petticoat string too tightly at one place on the waist, there is constant pressure on the skin of that area.
**Heat and Humidity:** Due to the hot and humid climate of India, sweat accumulates at the tying point of the petticoat. This combination of moisture and friction causes constant inflammation in the skin.
**Lack of hygiene:** Accumulation of sweat and dirt in that particular area can lead to fungal infections or open wounds; If ignored, these conditions can develop into a serious health problem.
Who is at greater risk?
Women who have been tying the petticoat string very tightly for many years are at greater risk of getting saree cancer. Apart from this, lack of cleanliness and excessive sweating at the place where petticoat is tied also increases this risk.
Why is it difficult to identify in the initial stages? It is often difficult to recognize the early symptoms of “Sari Cancer”, as the initial symptoms are limited to itching, darkening of the skin or formation of scabs. Women often ignore these signs and mistake them for common belt marks or rashes. Because the disease progresses slowly over decades due to constant rubbing, there is usually no pain in the early stages.
Another reason is that, since this disease affects the waist area, many women hesitate to consult a doctor; As a result, the infection grows and eventually turns into a wound that does not heal.
Early symptoms that you should not ignore:
Persistent itching or burning around the waist
thickening or darkening of the skin
A wound that does not heal even after applying ointment or medicine for a long time.
foul-smelling discharge or bleeding from the wound
What can be done for prevention?
It is very easy to prevent saree cancer. You don’t have to give up wearing sarees; You just need to make some minor changes, like:
Keep the petticoat cord loose: Do not tie the cord so tightly that it digs into the skin.
Keep changing the location of the knot: Instead of tying the nadi knot in the exact same place every day, keep changing its location.
Use a wide belt or elastic band: Instead of pleated petticoats, choose petticoats with a wide belt or elastic waistband so that the pressure does not fall on one area.
Choice of clothes: Prefer cotton clothes, as they absorb sweat well and allow the skin to breathe.
Cleanliness: Keep the groin area clean and dry.
