A new study from Lund University in Sweden suggests that tattoos could be a risk factor for lymphoma, a type of cancer in the lymphatic system. This revelation underscores the need for further research into the long-term health effects of tattoos, an area currently lacking in substantial scientific exploration.
The study, led by researcher Christel Nielsen, investigated the association between tattoos and lymphoma by identifying individuals diagnosed with the disease via population registers. These individuals were then matched with a control group of the same sex and age, but without lymphoma. All participants completed a questionnaire about lifestyle factors, including whether they had tattoos.
The study comprised 11,905 individuals, with 2,938 having lymphoma between the ages of 20 and 60. Among those with lymphoma, 1,398 responded to the questionnaire. The control group consisted of 4,193 participants, 735 of whom were tattooed. In the lymphoma group, 21 percent (289 individuals) had tattoos, compared to 18 percent in the control group.
“After accounting for 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. She emphasized that lymphoma remains a rare disease, and these results are applicable at the group level. The findings need verification and further investigation in additional studies, which are currently ongoing.
Initially, Nielsen’s research group hypothesized that the size of the tattoo might influence lymphoma risk, with larger tattoos potentially posing a greater threat than smaller ones. Contrary to their expectations, the study found no correlation between the tattooed body surface area and lymphoma risk.
“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,” Nielsen remarked.
Most people get their first tattoo at a young age, meaning they are exposed to tattoo ink for a significant portion of their lives. However, research into the long-term health effects of tattoos is still in its infancy. Nielsen noted that when tattoo ink is injected into the skin, the body recognizes it as a foreign substance, prompting an immune response. Much of the ink is then transported away from the skin to the lymph nodes, where it accumulates.
The Lund University research group plans to extend their studies to explore potential associations between tattoos and other types of cancer. They are also interested in investigating links between tattoos and 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. For the individual, it is good to know that tattoos can affect your health, and that you should turn to your health care provider if you experience symptoms that you believe could be related to your tattoo,” Nielsen concluded.
This study highlights the importance of ongoing research into the health implications of tattoos. While the results suggest a potential increased risk of lymphoma among tattooed individuals, it is crucial to remember that these findings are preliminary. The rarity of lymphoma and the need for further studies mean that individuals should not be overly alarmed. However, staying informed and consulting healthcare providers about any concerns remains prudent.
This study was published in the Journal of eClinicalMedicine.
