Do you wear sarees regularly? Do you tie your petticoat a little too tight because you’re afraid of the saree coming loose? If the answer to either of these is yes, it could lead to cancer. Sounds alarming, right? It is. 

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal has revealed that tight petticoat cords can cause skin ulcers. And these ulcers may progress to a rare form of skin cancer called Marjolin ulcer, colloquially referred to as “petticoat cancer”.

What is petticoat cancer?

The study documented two cases of elderly women who had worn tight petticoats for years and developed skin ulcers. These ultimately led to Marjolin ulcer, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer. 

The doctors revealed that while this phenomenon was previously called “saree cancer”, it is actually the tightness of the petticoat cord that causes it. Moreover, doctors explained that the pressure and friction from tightly tied petticoats can cause chronic skin irritation. This irritation, over time, leads to ulcers. If these ulcers are not treated, they can become cancerous.

What are the two cases of petticoat cancer?

In the first case, a 70-year-old woman complained of a painful and persistent ulcer on her right side, between the ribs and hip bones. Additionally, the skin around the ulcer had lost its pigmentation. 

In the second case, a woman in her late 60s complained of a two-year-old ulcer on her right flank that hadn’t healed. She had been wearing a lugda saree regularly for 40 years. The cancer had ultimately spread to one of her lymph nodes in her groin. 

The study states that both women had a Marjolin ulcer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma (ulcerating skin cancer).

Marjolin ulcers occur in long-standing wounds that don’t heal or in areas of chronic irritation. The reason behind these ulcers becoming cancerous is unknown but pressure and inflammation for a long time are known to increase the risk.

How to prevent ‘petticoat cancer’

Doctors, including those from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Uttar Pradesh have advised women to avoid tight waist cords, especially if they notice skin changes. Allowing the skin to breathe and heal can prevent complications.

If you experience persistent skin irritation, ulcers, or sores around your waistline, it’s important to get checked by a doctor. The key to preventing petticoat cancer is awareness and early intervention.

If you wear sarees regularly, self-checks for unusual skin changes are suggested. By taking these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of ‘petticoat cancer’.

“Constant pressure at the waist often leads to cutaneous atrophy, which ultimately breaks down to form an erosion or an ulcer. The ulcer at this site does not heal entirely due to ongoing pressure from tight clothing. A chronic non-healing wound results, which may develop malignant change,” the authors wrote in the study, as quoted by PTI. 

As quoted by India Today, the 70-year-old woman after her diagnosis said, “I wore a tightly wrapped saree for decades, unaware it could harm my health. A minor skin change turned into a painful, non-healing ulcer, eventually diagnosed as skin cancer. This experience has been physically and emotionally taxing. I hope my story encourages others to seek early medical advice if they notice unusual skin changes.”

Don’t sacrifice your love for sarees or your tradition, just stay informed about how they impact your long-term health. A few small changes in how we wear our sarees could make a big difference in preventing serious health issues.

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