New research led by the University of Southern Denmark indicates that tattoos might be linked to a heightened risk of skin and lymphoma cancers.
New research from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and the University of Helsinki has uncovered a potential link between tattoos and an increased risk of skin and lymphoma cancers. The findings, published in BMC Public Health, suggest that ink particles from tattoos may migrate to the lymph nodes, accumulating and potentially affecting the immune system over time.
The study draws on data from the Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort, a comprehensive dataset that includes more than 5,900 twins.
By analyzing tattoo patterns and cancer diagnoses, the researchers found that individuals with tattoos are more frequently diagnosed with skin and lymphoma cancers compared to their non-tattooed counterparts.
“We can see that ink particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, and we suspect that the body perceives them as foreign substances,” Henrik Frederiksen, a consultant in hematology at Odense University Hospital and a clinical professor at SDU, said in a news release. “This may mean that the immune system is constantly trying to respond to the ink, and we do not yet know whether this persistent strain could weaken the function of the lymph nodes or have other health consequences.”
The lymph nodes, crucial for filtering harmful substances and fighting infections, may be compromised by the presence of ink particles, leading to chronic inflammation and abnormal cell growth. This could eventually increase the risk of developing cancers, such as lymphoma and skin cancer.
One of the unique aspects of the study is its use of twin data, which allows researchers to control for genetic and environmental factors.
“The unique aspect of our approach is that we can compare twin pairs where one has cancer, but they otherwise share many genetic and environmental factors,” added Jacob von Bornemann Hjelmborg, a professor of biostatistics at SDU. “This provides us with a stronger method for investigating whether tattoos themselves may influence cancer risk.”
The research also highlighted that the risk appears to be more pronounced in individuals with larger tattoos. For instance, the rate of lymphoma is nearly three times higher in individuals with large tattoos — defined as those bigger than a palm — compared to those without tattoos.
“The extent of the impact on the immune system should be further investigated so that we can better understand the mechanisms at play,” added Signe Bedsted Clemmensen, an assistant professor of biostatistics at SDU.
Interestingly, another study from the Danish Twin Tattoo Cohort shows that tattoos are becoming increasingly common. The team estimates that four in 10 women and three in 10 men will have tattoos by the age of 25, making it critical to understand any potential long-term health risks associated with tattooing.
Looking forward, the researchers plan to delve deeper into the biological mechanisms at play.
“We want to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms — what happens in the lymph nodes when they are exposed to ink particles over decades?” concluded Clemmensen. “This can help us assess whether there is a real health risk and what we might do to reduce it.”
The study’s findings provide a compelling call to action for further research to better understand the long-term health implications of tattoos, potentially influencing future tattoo regulations and public health guidelines.
Source: University of Southern Denmark