Study Links Tattoos to 21% Increased Risk of Developing Lymphoma

A recent study conducted by researchers at Lund University in Sweden suggests that individuals with tattoos have a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. The study, published in the journal eClinical Medicine, analyzed data from 11,905 Swedish participants, including 2,938 diagnosed with lymphoma.

Why this matters: This study's findings have significant implications for public health, as tattoos are increasingly popular worldwide. If the link between tattoos and lymphoma is confirmed, it could lead to changes in tattoo ink regulation and safety guidelines.

The researchers, led by Christel Nielsen, found that 21% of those with lymphoma had tattoos, compared to 18% of those without the disease. After accounting for other factors such as smoking and age, the study concluded that the risk of developing lymphoma was significantly higher among those with tattoos.

Nielsen explained that the body's immune response to tattoo ink might be a contributing factor. 'We already know that when the tattoo ink is injected into the skin, the body interprets this as something foreign that should not be there, and the immune system is activated,' she said. 'A large part of the ink is transported away from the skin, to the lymph nodes where it is deposited.'

Interestingly, the study found that the size of the tattoo did not affect the risk of developing lymphoma. Nielsen speculated that even small tattoos could trigger low-grade inflammation in the body, which might lead to cancer. 'One can only speculate that a tattoo, regardless of size, triggers a low-grade inflammation in the body, which in turn can trigger cancer,' she added.

The study highlights the need for oversight of the chemical composition of tattoo ink. In the US, nearly a third of adults have a tattoo, including 22% who have more than one. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers tattoo inks to be cosmetics and their pigments to be color additives, but has traditionally not regulated the color additives in tattoo ink pigments.

Nielsen's team plans to investigate potential links between tattoos and other types of cancer, plus other inflammatory diseases. '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,' she emphasized.

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the immune system, specifically white blood cells called lymphocytes. There are two main types of lymphatic cancer: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study's findings highlight the importance of ensuring the safety of tattoos and being aware of potential health risks associated with them.

Key Takeaways

• A recent study found a 21% higher risk of lymphoma in individuals with tattoos.
• The study analyzed data from 11,905 Swedish participants, including 2,938 with lymphoma.
• Tattoo ink may trigger an immune response, leading to inflammation and potentially cancer.
• The size of the tattoo did not affect the risk of developing lymphoma.
• The study highlights the need for regulation of tattoo ink composition and safety guidelines.