A new study from Lund University suggests a potential 21% increased risk of lymphoma cancer in individuals with tattoos compared to those without body ink. The researchers attribute this to potentially carcinogenic chemicals in some tattoo inks triggering inflammation. More research is needed to verify the findings.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Lund University in Sweden has sparked concerns within the medical community and among tattoo enthusiasts worldwide. The study, published in the prestigious journal eClinicalMedicine, suggests a potential 21% increased risk of developing lymphoma, a form of cancer affecting the lymphatic system, among individuals with tattoos compared to those without body ink.
The findings have sent shockwaves through the rapidly growing tattoo industry, which has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent decades as tattoos have become more socially acceptable, particularly in the entertainment sphere.
According to the research team, led by Christel Nielsen, the concern lies with potentially carcinogenic chemicals present in some tattoo inks. When injected into the body, these substances may trigger a low-grade inflammatory response, which could contribute to the development of cancer over time.
"After taking into account other relevant factors, such as smoking and age, we found that the risk of developing lymphoma was 21 percent higher among those who were tattooed," Nielsen explained. "It is important to remember that lymphoma is a rare disease, and our results apply at the group level. The results now need to be verified and investigated further in other studies, and such research is ongoing."
The study involved 11,905 participants aged between 20 and 60, of whom 2,938 had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Through questionnaires, the researchers collected data on lifestyle factors, including whether the participants had tattoos or not.
Interestingly, the study found no correlation between tattoo size and cancer risk, leading Nielsen to speculate, "We do not yet know why this was the case. One can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer. The picture is thus more complex than we initially thought."
While the study has raised concerns, some experts in the field have expressed skepticism, arguing that the research fails to account for other potential risk factors and that more rigorous, controlled studies are needed to establish a clear causal link between tattoos and cancer risk.
"People will likely want to continue to express their identity through tattoos, and therefore it is very important that we as a society can make sure that it is safe," Nielsen emphasized, urging individuals to consult healthcare providers if they experience symptoms that could be related to their tattoos.
