Tattoos have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. They have become a form of expression for everyone, symbolising different things for different people. But what if we told you tattoos can increase your risk of a certain type of cancer? Would you still be interested in getting them? Unfortunately, a recent study has brought this to light, suggesting that getting inked is associated with a 21% higher risk of lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.
The Study
The Swedish study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine investigated the long-term health effects of getting tattoos and examined data from national registers to compare people with and without tattoos who developed lymphoma between 2007 and 2017.
The study involved 1,398 participants with lymphoma and 4,193 participants without a lymphoma diagnosis, between ages 20 and 60.
Also Read: Is Poor Oral Hygiene Linked To Pancreatic Cancer Risk?
They found that people with tattoos had a slightly higher risk of lymphoma overall. Tattoo prevalence rates were 21% and 18% in groups with and without lymphoma, respectively.
This risk was highest for those who got their first tattoo less than two years before their cancer diagnosis.
In addition, researchers noted a possible link between tattoos and specific types of lymphoma. However, they acknowledged that more studies are needed to confirm a cause-and-effect relationship between tattoos and lymphoma.
What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a group of organs, vessels, and tissues that helps keep germs and diseases at bay. The cancer starts when lymphocytes, which are White Blood Cells (WBCs) crucial for immunity, mutate and grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can accumulate in lymph nodes, causing swelling, and may spread to other organs.
There are two main types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
While Hodgkin lymphoma begins in the upper body, such as the neck, chest, or armpits, non-Hodgkin lymphoma starts in the lymph nodes anywhere in the body.
Symptoms Of Lymphoma
Some of the common signs and symptoms of lymphoma include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Itchy skin
- Swelling of lymph nodes in the belly, neck, armpits, or groyne usually does not hurt.
- Pain in the chest, abdomen, or bones
- Unexplained weight loss
Other Risk Factors For Lymphoma
.jpg)
There are many factors that can increase a person's risk of lymphoma. These include:
- A weakened immune system
- A family history of lymphoma
- Infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Age, as it occurs more commonly in people over 55
Conclusion
The recent study on the link between tattoos and lymphoma risk emphasises the need for further research. It highlights the need to understand the potential risks and side effects of getting a tattoo. Additionally, people should be aware of other risk factors associated with lymphoma, which could include age, infections with certain types of viruses, and a family history of the disease. Regular screenings can help keep you informed.