Tattoo ink has been found to contain known carcinogens, which can be transported around the body and end up in the lymph nodes. However, there is limited research on whether having a tattoo increases the risk of cancer. A recent study by researchers from Lund University in Sweden found a 21% increased risk of lymphoma in individuals with tattoos, compared to those without. The study, published in eClinical Medicine, analyzed the Swedish National Cancer Register and included participants between the ages of 20-60 diagnosed with lymphoma between 2007 and 2017. The size of the tattoo did not affect the risk of cancer, and the increased risk was found to be 81% higher in the 2 years following tattooing, with a 19% higher risk after 11 years. Participants with tattoos had a 21% higher risk of lymphoma compared to controls.
The two types of lymphoma that individuals with tattoos were most at risk of developing were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. While the study did not investigate why the increased risk occurred with tattooing, it adjusted its analysis for lifestyle factors such as smoking and socioeconomic status. The study’s findings suggest a need for further research to distinguish the effects of tattoos from related lifestyle factors and understand the role of lifestyle in the observed associations. There is currently not enough evidence to definitively state that tattoos increase the risk of cancer, and more research is needed in this area. Rachel Orritt, a health information manager at Cancer Research UK, suggested proven steps individuals can take to reduce cancer risk include not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and limiting alcohol consumption.
Tattooing not only exposes individuals to the risks associated with the ink in tattoos but also the potential risks of needle use. Improperly sterilized tattooing needles can transmit hepatitis C, which has been linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While some viruses are possible causes of lymphoma, Swedish tattooists are well educated in safety and hygiene practices. The increased popularity of tattoos in the early 2000s led to about 20% of Europeans and up to 30% of Americans having tattoos. This popularity means that individuals are exposed to tattoo ink over a lifetime, which raises concerns about the long-term health effects. Despite lymphoma being a rare disease, individuals with tattoos should be aware of potential adverse health effects and seek medical care if they experience any tattoo-related symptoms.
Further studies are being conducted to investigate if tattoos increase the risk of other diseases of the immune system, such as thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The impact of tattoos on different types of cancer, particularly skin cancers like malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, is also being studied. Researchers are aiming to understand the potential health risks associated with tattoos, as their popularity continues to grow worldwide. As more information becomes available, individuals may be able to make more informed decisions about getting tattoos and understanding their potential impact on overall health.
