Petticoat Cancer: A recent study published in BMJ Case Reports highlights a surprising health risk associated with the traditional Indian practice of tying tightly bound waist cords to secure sarees. Doctors have noted that this prolonged pressure and friction, especially among older women in rural India, can lead to Marjolin ulcers—a rare form of skin cancer colloquially referred to as “petticoat cancer.”
Cases of Marjolin Ulcers
The report presents two cases: a 70-year-old woman and a woman in her late 60s, both of whom developed severe ulcers from years of wearing sarees with tightly bound waist cords. The ulcers, initially unnoticed, eventually progressed to squamous cell carcinoma, with one case leading to lymph node involvement. This condition, often developing at sites of chronic irritation or injury, was previously termed “saree cancer.” However, experts now identify the waist cord as the primary trigger.
Risks of Prolonged Pressure and Friction
The prolonged pressure from tightly bound waist cords causes chronic inflammation in the affected skin, which, over time, can result in persistent ulceration and, in severe cases, cancer. Though awareness remains limited, doctors emphasize the importance of loosening or readjusting the waist cord to reduce this risk.
Prevention and Awareness
Medical professionals encourage awareness and preventive measures, particularly for women in rural areas who frequently wear sarees. “Regularly changing the position of the cord and opting for less restrictive styles may help mitigate this risk,” one doctor noted, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive education about this health concern.
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