Do Tattoos Cause Cancer Like Lymphoma?

Tattoos, once considered a form of self-expression, are now raising concern for potential health risks. According to the Pew Research Center, 32% of Americans have a tattoo, and 22% have more than one. Yet, the safety of tattoo inks remains unexplored, and the potentially harmful effects of injecting them into the body remain unknown. A new study reveals that getting tattoos might increase the chances of cancer like malignant lymphoma. This article discusses the methodology, results, and limitations of the research to provide a clearer understanding of how tattoo inks might contribute to health risks like lymphoma.

What Does The Study Say?

A study conducted in Sweden suggests that getting a tattoo might increase the chances of getting malignant lymphoma by 21%.

Malignant lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymph nodes.

The research was published in May in the journal eClinicalMedicine.

Study Design: Tattoos And Lymphoma Cancer Risk

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Lund, Sweden, correlates tattoos with malignant lymphoma and does not suggest that tattoos cause lymphoma.

They used the Swedish National Cancer Register to identify people diagnosed with malignant lymphoma.

The researchers then sent them questionnaires, asking them how many of them had tattoos.

About 20% of people responded that they had tattoos before their diagnoses, which led to the study's conclusion.

Study Participants

The study included around 12,000 people.

The researchers identified every person between 20 and 60 who had malignant lymphoma during the ten years from 2007 to 2017.

The researchers also found three randomly selected control groups with matching ages and sexes using the Total Population Register.

Study Results

54% of the initial group and 47% of the control responded to the questionnaire sent by the researchers.
Tattooed individuals had a 21% increased risk of overall lymphoma compared to non-tattooed individuals (18%).
Both recent tattoos (0-2 years before diagnosis) and older tattoos (≥11 years) were associated with increased lymphoma risk.
The risk of developing lymphoma was the highest during the first two years of getting a tattoo (81% compared to those who hadn't gotten a tattoo).
This risk decreased during the intervening three to ten-year period, then rose again after 11 years (19% compared to those who hadn't gotten a tattoo).
No clear evidence of an exposure-response relationship with tattooed body surface area.
No distinct difference in risk associated with different tattoo color schemes.

Study Limitations

This study does not prove cause and effect but can only show associations.
It does not consider any changes in diet and lifestyle or exposure to different amounts of stress.
More than one study is needed to prove the connection between tattooing and lymphoma.
More clinical laboratory studies are needed to prove this association.

A Closer Inspection

Nevertheless, getting a tattoo might increase the risk of developing lymphoma.

Tattoo ink contains various carcinogenic compounds and metals such as nickel, chromium, cobalt, and arsenic.

They can get deposited in lymph nodes when you get a tattoo.

Further, many tattoo artists and parlors don't practice good quality control and hygiene.

Thus, it's important to evaluate the risks before getting that tattoo you have wanted for a long time.

What Do Experts Say About Tattoos And Lymphoma Cancer?

Some studies have attempted to understand if tattoos increase the risk of cancer.

However, these studies could not establish a link between tattoos and lymphoma.

Some risk factors for lymphoma are:

Advancing age
A family history of lymphoma
Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene
Having an impaired immune system
Certain infections and diseases

Experts say that while there is no evidence to prove that tattoos cause lymphoma, it is still essential to be cautious.

Tattoo ink contains some carcinogens, and unsterilized needles can cause diseases other than cancer.

Other Health Risks Of Tattoos

Usually, getting a tattoo from certified studios and tattooists is relatively safe.

However, tattoos do have the risk of some complications, such as:

Improperly sterilized tattoo needles can cause bacterial infections and hepatitis C.
Allergic reactions to the tattoo ink and scarring.
Tattoo ink contains carcinogenic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, primary aromatic amines, and metals. These substances can potentially increase the chances of getting skin cancers and malignant lymphoma.