A new study from Sweden has found that people with tattoos have a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Lund University researcher Christel Nielsen, who led the study, emphasizes that lymphoma is a rare disease and that the results apply at the group level, requiring further verification and investigation in other studies. The research, published in eClinicalMedicine, involved 11,905 participants filling out a questionnaire about their lifestyle factors to determine if they had tattoos. The study indicated that the risk associated with tattoo exposure is highest for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a fast-growing, curable cancer, and follicular lymphoma, a slow-growing, incurable cancer.
When tattoo ink is injected into the skin, the body interprets it as a foreign substance, activating the immune system. Nielsen explained that a large portion of the ink is transported to the lymph nodes where it is deposited. The researchers hypothesized that the size of the tattoo could affect the risk of developing lymphoma, but they found that this was not the case. Nielsen suggests that regardless of size, a tattoo may trigger a low-grade inflammation in the body, which could potentially lead to cancer, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
Nielsen’s study underscores the significance of overseeing the chemical composition of tattoo ink. In the US, almost a third of adults have tattoos, with 22% having more than one. The FDA classifies tattoo inks as cosmetics and their pigments as color additives. Traditionally, the FDA has not regulated the color additives in tattoo ink pigments, with local municipalities establishing rules for body art businesses. Nielsen’s team is planning to explore possible links between tattoos and other types of cancer, as well as other inflammatory diseases.
A previous study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting found a potential association between having several large tattoos and the risk of blood cancers, particularly for those who were tattooed at a young age. Nielsen suggests that as people continue to express their identity through tattoos, it is crucial for society to ensure their safety. It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential health effects of tattoos and to seek medical advice if they experience symptoms that they believe may be related to their tattoos. The study highlights the need for further research to understand the potential risks associated with tattoos and their impact on health.
