Hidden Dangers Of Tattoos
A study conducted by researchers from Lund University in Sweden revealed a concerning finding: tattoos were linked to a 21% higher risk of lymphoma, a form of blood cancer, in a Swedish cohort.
The investigation, detailed in eClinical Medicine, utilized data from the Swedish National Cancer Register. Surprisingly, the size of the tattoo appeared to have minimal influence on the cancer risk.
While previous knowledge existed regarding the potential carcinogenic properties of certain tattoo inks, this study shed light on the previously underestimated impact they could have on cancer risk, prompting further inquiry.
Christel Nielsen, PhD, the lead author and an associate professor at the University of Lund, elaborated on the findings to Medical News Today, noting the focus on tattoo ink’s chemical composition in recent years. Ink often contains substances known to induce cancer in other contexts, and the body’s immune response to tattoo particles can lead to their accumulation in lymph nodes.
The study involved analyzing lymphoma cases from the Swedish National Cancer Register, focusing on individuals aged 20 to 60 diagnosed between 2007 and 2017 who were more likely to have tattoos. The research team contacted both affected individuals and controls, ultimately gathering data from 1,398 lymphoma patients and 4,193 individuals without the condition.
The results revealed a notable discrepancy: 21% of those with lymphoma had tattoos, compared to 18% of those without the condition. Moreover, individuals with tattoos faced an 81% higher risk of lymphoma within two years of tattooing, a risk that diminished between years three and ten before rising again to a 19% higher risk after eleven years.
Overall, participants with tattoos exhibited a 21% increased risk of lymphoma compared to those without tattoos, with no significant influence from tattoo size. The most prominent lymphomas associated with tattoos were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
The study authors accounted for various factors such as smoking and socioeconomic status in their analysis, though further research is necessary to disentangle the effects of tattoos from related lifestyle factors. Wael Harb, MD, a hematologist and oncologist not involved in the research, emphasized this need for additional investigation.
Rachel Orritt, PhD, a health information manager at Cancer Research UK, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for more evidence before conclusively linking tattoos to increased cancer risk. She advised individuals concerned about cancer risk to focus on proven preventative measures such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, and moderating alcohol consumption.
In addition to potential carcinogenic ink components, tattooing poses risks associated with needle use, including the transmission of diseases like hepatitis C. Despite rigorous safety measures among Swedish tattooists, further research is warranted to fully understand the relationship between tattoos, lifestyle factors, and cancer risk.
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