A new study revealed that getting a tattoo, regardless of the size increases the risk of developing lymphoma – a type of life-threatening blood cancer by at least 21 per cent. On World Blood Cancer Day, read on to know more.
Tattoos can also lead to many other health risks, including skin infections, allergic reactions, and scarring
If you get a tattoo, you increase your chances of getting lymphoma, or blood cancer, up by 21 per cent, a new study has claimed. According to the research done by a team from Lund University in Sweden, which analyzed 12,000 participants, at least 3,000 of them were suffering from the life-threatening disease. The participants were between 20-60 years.
How do tattoos increase lymphoma risk?
The study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, found that the risk was higher among those getting inked in less than two years prior. Additionally, researchers found that there is no evidence of an increased risk with larger-sized tattoos.
Researchers say the most common types of cancer are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma – affecting the lymphatic system, which is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that help the body fight infection. “After taking into account 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,” Dr. Christel Nielsen, study author and Lund University professor, said in a statement. “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 continued. “A large part of the ink is transported away from the skin to the lymph nodes where it is deposited.”
According to a recent study, at least 32 per cent of adults have a tattoo. Among those, 22 per cent have more than one tattoo on their body. Dr. Neilsen said her team would further examine whether there is a link between tattoos and other forms of cancer and 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,” said Nielsen. “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.”
Tattoos can be harmful to your skin
According to experts, tattoos can lead to many health risks, including skin infections, allergic reactions, and scarring. These risks only increase if you do not see a licensed tattoo artist or if the wound itself heals improperly. Tattoos are also prone to skin infections, since they breach the skin’s barrier, along with many allergies due to dyes, which cause rashes. While not common, tattoos can also lead to MRI complications, because the pigments can interrupt the image’s quality.
Tattoo pigments are harmful
According to Healthline, some of the tattoo inks are loaded with a substance known as azo – also used in car paints. Studies say red ink indicates an increased risk of liver cancer in rats who were exposed to red azo pigments. Black inks are also considered a higher risk since they contain a carcinogen called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Other pigments may include potentially harmful substances such as:
- Alcohols
- Barium
- Cadmium
- Copper
- Lead
- Mercury
- Minerals
- Nickel
- Plastics
- Vegetable dyes
Ways to avoid health risks when getting a tattoo
According to doctors, it is best to find a licensed, reputable tattoo artist to ensure the best tattoo experience possible. Before going under the needle, find a few prospective tattoo artists and take a look around their studio for:
- Licensing and experience
- Sanitation
- Process for handling and disposing of materials
- Wearing gloves
- Inks and what types are being used
