SAREE CANCER: HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS RARE FORM OF CANCER
Saree is considered to be a cultural heritage in India. Traditionally it is draped around the body over a petticoat and paired with a blouse. It is a part of almost every Indian and South Asian woman’s wardrobe. Women wearing sarees are a sight to behold. There are different types of saree drapes in different regions of India, similarly, there are unique ways of weaving. However, did you know that wearing a saree can also give you cancer?
In a lot of households in India, women are expected to wear sarees every day. When you wear a saree for such long durations, it is important that you drape it in the correct way because not doing so can lead to cancer. When you wear a saree, you have to wear a petticoat which has a thread that’s tied tightly around the waist.
When you wear this for a long time, it rubs on your waist and the skin on your waist starts to peel and turn black. Over a long period of time, this repeated process can lead to cancer. Researchers say that this cancer is primarily not caused due to peeling and rubbing but due to a lack of hygiene. Contributing to this, heat and humidity also increase the risk of developing cancer. This form of cancer is also known as Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC).
Understanding Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in the squamous cells. These cells make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. SCC is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds.Mayo Clinic says that squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is usually not life-threatening. But if it’s not treated, it can grow large or spread to other parts of the body. The growth of the cancer can cause serious complications.
Symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma
This form of cancer usually develops on sun-exposed skin which also includes the scalp, the backs of the hands, the ears or the lips. However, it can develop in any part of the body, even inside the mouth or bottom of your feet. Here, take a look at some of the early signs and symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma.Nodule which is a firm bump on the skin, which might be the same colour as the skin, or it might look different. It can look pink, red, black or brown, depending on skin colour.
- Flat sore with a scaly crust
- New sore or raised area on an old scar or sore
- Rough, scaly patch on the lip that may become an open sore
- Sore or rough patch inside the mouth
- Raised patch or wartlike sore on or in the anus or on the genitals.