Lymphoma, a cancer that results from the uncontrolled growth of lymphocytes, is a significant health concern. Lymphocytes are part of the body’s infection-fighting system and are found in the lymphatic system. A new study published in eClinicalMedicine has revealed that tattoos, regardless of size, can increase the risk of developing lymphoma by 21%. The research was conducted by Lund University experts, who analyzed the health outcomes of nearly 12,000 volunteers aged 20 to 60, with almost 3,000 of them having lymphoma.
Surprisingly, there was no evidence to suggest that the size of the tattoo affected cancer rates. The most common types of lymphoma found after tattooing were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Professor Christel Nielsen, the author of the study, emphasized that despite adjusting for factors like smoking habits and age, the risk of developing lymphoma remained 21% higher among tattooed individuals. However, she noted that more comprehensive analysis is needed to confirm these findings as lymphoma is considered a rare disease.
The researchers also plan to investigate the connection between tattoos and other cancers and infections. While tattoos have become a popular way for individuals to express themselves, it’s crucial to ensure their safety. Some risks associated with tattoos include skin infections and allergic reactions to tattoo ink. In rare cases, tattoos can interfere with medical procedures like MRI scans due to the pigmentation affecting image quality. Despite these risks, according to Pew Research Center, 32% of adults have tattoos, with 22% having multiple tattoos.
