If you are a fan of getting Tattoos or contemplating getting your first one, you need to pay attention to this new study conducted by researchers from Lund University.
Tattoos are increasingly popular, and with that rise comes a natural curiosity about potential health risks. In light of this, this recent study published in eClinicalMedicine investigated the link between tattoos and malignant lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
Tattoos Increase Lymphoma Risk
Researchers in Sweden conducted a large case-control study to investigate the association between tattoos and malignant lymphoma. They examined data from national registers, focusing on people diagnosed with lymphoma between 2007 and 2017. The researchers then compared this group to a control group without lymphoma.
The study found that people with tattoos had a slightly higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those without tattoos. This increased risk was highest for individuals who received their first tattoo within the past two years.
Interestingly, the risk appeared to level off somewhat for those tattooed between three and ten years prior, then increase slightly again for those tattooed more than eleven years ago.
Study Findings
It's important to remember that this study only suggests a possible association, not a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the reasons behind them.
What Is Lymphoma?
The National Cancer Institute defines lymphoma as a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and tissues responsible for fighting infection.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The study focused on non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which has various subtypes.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. The lymphatic system helps fight infection. It's made up of a network of vessels and tissues that carry white blood cells throughout your body. These white blood cells help your body fight germs.
Also Read: World Lymphoma Day 2023: Expert Tips To Deal With The Emotional And Physiological Impact Of Lymphoma
As per Blood Cancer UK, the symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in your abdomen
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy skin
How Does Tattoo Ink Cause Lymphoma?
Tattoo inks contain various pigments, some of which may contain chemicals like metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These chemicals are also found in cigarette smoke and air pollution and have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers in some situations.
The researchers considered factors like age, sex, smoking status, and socioeconomic status in their analysis. These factors can influence both tattoo acquisition and cancer risk.
The Bottom Line
While this study suggests a possible link between tattoos and lymphoma, the risk appears to be small. People with tattoos should not be alarmed by this research. However, it's important to be aware of potential risks and make informed decisions.
More research is needed to solidify the link between tattoos and lymphoma, if any. Additionally, researchers need to investigate the specific components of tattoo inks that might be risky and explore safer alternatives.
If you're considering getting a tattoo, it's wise to choose a reputable tattoo artist who uses high-quality inks and adheres to safe tattooing practices. You can also discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.