Tattoos Increase Risk of Skin Cancer by 29%

Study results shock many young people who consider tattoos a powerful form of self-expression A recent scientific study has concluded that tattoos, which many people love and place on various parts of the body, expose individuals to a significant risk, increasing the likelihood of developing skin cancer by up to 29%. According to a report published by the scientific website Science Alert, which Al Arabiya reviewed, scientists found that people with tattoos have a 29% higher risk of developing skin cancer, a serious form of cancer often associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Although both types of cancer share the same underlying cause, each originates from different types of cells and differs in severity, with skin cancer being much more dangerous than squamous cell carcinoma. These findings come as a shock to many young Westerners who view tattoos as a strong form of self-expression and a cornerstone of identity. For example, in Sweden alone, about one in three adults has a tattoo. Both skin cancer (melanoma) and squamous cell carcinoma develop slowly and are relatively rare, making long-term research challenging. Following large groups of tattooed and non-tattooed individuals over many years would also be costly and time-consuming, according to scientists. The research team that conducted the new study in Sweden monitored individuals who had previously been diagnosed with cancer and then looked retrospectively to see who had tattoos, in order to reach these findings. Sweden maintains high-quality national records that document health and demographic information. Using the National Cancer Registry, the researchers identified all individuals aged 20 to 60 who were diagnosed with skin cancer (melanoma) in 2017 or with squamous cell carcinoma between 2014 and 2017. They then studied these individuals and reached their conclusions. People with tattoos were found to be 29% more likely to develop skin cancer compared to those without tattoos. The scientists also found that the increased risk was higher among those who had tattoos for more than ten years. For squamous cell carcinoma, tattoos made no difference, with results consistent across all analyses, indicating no link between tattoos and this type of skin cancer. Researchers found no evidence that larger tattoos increase the risk, which was unexpected since bigger tattoos contain more ink, and therefore potentially more harmful substances. One possible explanation is that tattoo ink is not confined to the skin; the body’s immune system treats it as a foreign substance and transports some ink particles to the lymph nodes. A previous American study suggested that larger tattoos might even reduce the risk of skin cancer, but that study did not account for key factors such as skin type or UV exposure, according to the researchers.