Is 'saree cancer' real? Here's what doctors say
Have you ever heard about “saree cancer”? No, it doesn’t mean you get cancer after wearing a saree. Although the term relates to tying the petticoat too tightly, the waistline experiences inflammation.
This happens only when tight-fitted clothing, especially around the waist, is worn repeatedly.
The term was first used in 1945 along with “dhoti cancer” (points to the same condition) due to the persistent wearing of tight sarees or dhotis or even jeans at the waist. This results in chronic friction or irritation in the region and could lead to malignancy.
While ‘saree cancer’ is prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, it is very rare.
In 2011, doctors reported two cases of this condition in the Journal of the Indian Medical Association and stated that tight saree wearing resulted in waist dermatoses (lesions on the skin).
“Persistent and long-term wearing of this costume (saree) has resulted in waist dermatoses. This waist dermatoses giving rise to malignancy is being reported here and ‘saree cancer’ is the term used to this entity of waist cancer,” they wrote in the study.
India Today spoke to experts to understand more about this type of skin cancer, which could also be known as ‘waistline cancer.’
Dr N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, said that a cancer of this type is known as squamous cell carcinoma.
“Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also known as saree cancer is a type of skin cancer that can develop in areas exposed to chronic irritation or friction. While not exclusive to sarees, tightly worn sarees, petticoats, dhotis and even jeans can increase the risk of SCC at the waistline,” said Dr Sapna Lulla.Â
Dr Nataraj Naidu, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, SPARSH Hospital, Bangalore, said the “chronic irritation” at the waist can be easily avoided by loosening the belt and applying emollient (moisturising) creams at night.
Dr Naidu, however, stated that just because this condition is termed after an important item of clothing in India, it shouldn’t create panic. “The incidence of malignancy in scar tissue is between 0.1% to 2.5%, which is a very rare form of skin cancer,” the expert said.
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also known as saree cancer is a type of skin cancer that can develop in areas exposed to chronic irritation or friction. (Photo: Getty Images)
The experts noted that saree does not directly cause cancer.
“While SCC can occur on the skin exposed to chronic irritation, such as the abdomen due to saree wearing, the term ‘saree cancer’ may be misleading,” said Dr Naidu.Â
Dr Triveni Arun Akkiraju, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, said that the culprit of this condition is the petticoat and not the saree.
“The inner skirt worn underneath to anchor the saree which is tied too tight around the same place on the waist day in and day out is what causes skin changes. Because of continual wearing, it results in scaling, pigmentation of skin. This chronic inflammation eventually leads to ulceration and subsequently turns into malignancy,” said Dr Akkiraju.Â
Awareness of the skin changes in the waist area due to tight tying of the saree is important, the doctors said.
Dr Akkiraju added that most women do not notice this until it gets chronic.Â
“The persistent irritation is compounded by the hot and humid tropical climate of the subcontinent and reluctant self-hygiene, especially in rural areas, results in accumulation of irritants like dust, sweat in the cord causing skin changes,” the expert said.Â
Symptoms for waistline cancer
- Red, itchy patches aroundÂ
- Formation of ulcers
- Raised lumps near the waistline
“Opt for looser, breathable fabrics, ensuring proper hygiene and skincare routines, and taking breaks from wearing sarees for extended periods. Regular skin examinations for any unusual skin changes are also vital,” advised Dr Naidu.
Treat the symptoms to avoid aggravation.
Watch Live TV in English
Watch Live TV in Hindi