Tattoos were once regarded as symbols of revolt, worn by sailors, rock singers, and outcasts. Today, ink can be found almost anywhere. Tattoos have entered the mainstream, ranging from tiny, delicate initials hidden behind an ear to full-back murals of ripped wizards battling dragons.
However, just as society has become increasingly accepting of body art, new evidence casts doubt on the practice. According to a recent study from the University of Southard in Denmark, tattoos may raise the risk of some types of cancer, specifically skin cancer and lymphoma.
Yes, the ink that graces your favorite phrase or your dog’s paw print may be linked to health hazards. The emphasis is on potential.
The study is not your typical “we surveyed 100 people” type of research. It was a twin study, which is one of the most potent designs in scientific research since twins share genetics and often early-life experiences. Researchers examined health data from twins, one of whom had tattoos and the other did not. As you can expect, this needed a tremendous amount of time, patience, and possibly a lot of awkward family interviews.
What they discovered was startling: tattooed people appeared to have an increased risk of acquiring cancer, particularly in regions like the lymph nodes and skin, where tattoo ink tends to deposit.
More dangerously, those with larger tattoos (those larger than the palm of a hand) were shown to be two to three times more likely to get these tumors than their non-tattooed or minimally inked peers.
Not yet—and perhaps never. The researchers were careful to point out that the study did not prove a direct cause-and-effect association between tattoos and cancer. In other words, having a tattoo does not indicate that you will develop cancer. It does, however, imply that this could be a piece of a much broader puzzle that deserves further investigation.
There is also the potential of an indirect relationship. People with tattoos, for example, may have additional risk factors, such as spending more time in the sun without sunscreen, smoking cigarettes, or engaging in other lifestyle habits that enhance their risk of cancer.
The researchers discovered that tattoo ink contains thousands of microscopic chemical particles, some of which have been shown to move through the body and settle in lymph nodes. That alone may not be dangerous, but it is worth investigating more, especially since tattoo ink is not as rigorously controlled in many countries as, say, food or cosmetics.
This study is currently serving as a warning light rather than a fire alarm. It’s a call to action for scientists and public health officials to go deeper. More research, larger populations, longer follow-ups, and stricter controls will be required before any firm conclusions can be reached.
If you already have tattoos, there’s no need to worry. The risk, if it exists at all, appears to be small. However, it may be worth thinking about where and how you get your tattoos, the inks used, and if they come from trustworthy sources with safe, tested materials.
And if you’re in the process of getting a massive combat scene tattooed on your back, don’t worry – your tattoo artist is still working on the wizard’s six-pack highlights.
Tattoos are a deeply personal and artistic form of expression, and they hold special significance for many people. This new Danish study does not recommend that you stop getting tattoos, but it does imply that we should pay more attention to what’s in that ink, how it’s utilized, and what it may be doing to our bodies over time.
Wear sunscreen, get regular health exams, and reconsider getting a full-body dragon tattoo for now. At least until science discovers some more answers.
