Hyderabad doctor reveals hidden cancer risk of wearing sarees, dhotis

Women wearing Saree and men with Dhotis for long periods of time and for several years must be aware of Saree Cancer/Pettoicoat cancer/ Dhoti Cancer.

Referring to multiple instances over the years, neurosurgeon and public health speaker from Hyderabad, Dr Sudhir Kumar (@hyderabaddoctor on social media platform X) said that a tight cord tied around the waistline (petticoat, dhoti) often leads to dematoses related to chronic friction



adm maceration, resulting in dermatitis and de-pigmentation and in rare cases carcinoma.

The saree and the petticoat, which is worn underneath the saree to provide support and shape to the garment, are wrapped around the waist tightened by a thick cord. The tight knot of the petticoat in the same place, sweat, soiling and continuous use can cause pigmentation, scaling of the waist and even transform to malignancy, the researchers said.