Study Links Tattoos to 21% Higher Risk of Lymphoma

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden have identified a significant link between having tattoos and an increased risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. The study, published in eClinical Medicine, found that individuals with tattoos had a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those without tattoos.

The researchers analyzed data from the Swedish National Cancer Register, focusing on cases of lymphoma diagnosed between 2007 and 2017. They contacted affected individuals and controls, resulting in a study group of 1,398 people with lymphoma and 4,193 people without lymphoma. The study revealed that 21% of people with lymphoma had a tattoo, compared to 18% of those without lymphoma.

This study's findings have significant implications for public health, given that the popularity of tattoos continues to rise globally. Further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between tattoos and cancer risk, which could lead to changes in tattoo ink regulations and individual behaviors.

The risk of lymphoma was found to be highest in the two years following the receipt of a tattoo, with an 81% increased risk. This risk dropped between years 3-10 post-tattooing and then increased again to a 19% higher risk after 11 years. Interestingly, the size of the tattoo did not impact the risk of lymphoma.

The study also identified that individuals with tattoos were at a higher risk of developing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Christel Nielsen, PhD, associate professor at Lund University, explained that tattoo ink often contains chemicals known to cause cancer in other contexts. "Tattoo ink often contains chemicals that are known to cause cancer in other contexts, for example, in occupationally exposed workers," Nielsen said.

Wael Harb, MD, a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist, noted that lifestyle factors associated with individuals who get tattoos, such as smoking and substance use, could also contribute to the increased risk of lymphoma. Rachel Orritt, PhD, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, emphasized the need for more research to understand the effects of tattoos on cancer risk.

The popularity of tattoos has increased significantly, with about 20% of Europeans and up to 30% of Americans having tattoos. This rise in tattoo prevalence highlights the importance of understanding the potential health risks associated with tattoos. The study's findings highlight the need for further research to disentangle the effects of tattoos from related lifestyle factors and to better understand the role of lifestyle in the observed associations.

While the study suggests a link between tattoos and an increased risk of lymphoma, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship. Individuals concerned about their cancer risk should consider proven steps to reduce it, such as not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and reducing alcohol consumption.

Key Takeaways

• Researchers find 21% higher risk of lymphoma in people with tattoos.
• Risk of lymphoma highest in 2 years after getting a tattoo (81% increase).
• Tattoo ink contains chemicals known to cause cancer in other contexts.
• Lifestyle factors like smoking and substance use may also contribute to risk.
• More research needed to fully understand tattoo-cancer risk relationship.