A twin study conducted by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark suggests that getting a tattoo could potentially increase the risk of skin cancer or lymphoma. The study found that tattooed individuals were more likely to develop these cancers compared to their tattoo-free siblings, though experts caution that further research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.
The study, led by biostatistician Signe Bedsted Clemmensen, used two study designs to analyze cancer diagnoses and tattoo patterns. A cohort study of 2,367 randomly selected twins found that individuals with tattoos were nearly four times more likely to develop skin cancer compared to those without tattoos. Meanwhile, a case-control study comparing 316 individuals with their twin siblings revealed a 33 to 62 percent higher risk for tattooed twins to develop cancer.
This increased risk was especially noticeable among those with tattoos larger than the size of their palm, showing a threefold higher risk compared to those without tattoos. However, it’s important to note that cancers like lymphoma are rare, meaning the overall increase in risk comes from a low baseline.
It’s crucial to emphasize that the study does not prove that tattoos directly cause cancer. Researchers suggest that factors influencing the decision to get tattoos might contribute to the increased cancer risk. Previous research has indicated a higher risk of lymphoma in individuals with tattoos, which warrants further investigation into the relationship between tattoos and cancer.
Although the study did not find a clear link between specific ink colors and cancer risk, Clemmensen noted that this area remains of interest. “We know from other studies that ink can contain potentially harmful substances, and for example, red ink more often causes allergic reactions,” she explained.
Humans have been using tattoos as a form of body art for thousands of years, but the long-term health consequences remain unclear. According to hematologist Henrik Frederiksen from Odense University, ink particles can accumulate in the lymph nodes, potentially leading the body to perceive them as foreign substances. This may cause the immune system to constantly respond to the ink, but the long-term effects of this persistent strain on the immune system are not yet understood.
A 2016 European Commission report highlighted concerns about tattoo inks, noting that many inks are not approved for use in cosmetics and some have been found to be carcinogenic when they break down over time.
For individuals considering getting a tattoo, it’s important to carefully consider the types of ink used and any pre-existing health conditions, such as psoriasis, that could be aggravated by tattooing. While research like this helps to inform potential risks, the study’s limitations, including a relatively small sample size and a focus on individuals who survived cancer, suggest that more investigation is needed to fully understand the impact of tattoos on health.
Clemmensen concludes, “The extent of the impact on the immune system should be further investigated so that we can better understand the mechanisms at play.”
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