Tattoos may potentially raise the chances of developing cancer.
Some individuals sport tattoos to showcase their unique personalities, while others see them as an alluring fashion statement, and for a few, it's just a symbolism of their youth: tattoos. Marking one's body with captivating designs is gaining immense popularity. But could body art be detrimental to our health? A pioneering research offers the first insights.
Previously, research had already insinuated potential risks like infections and allergies. However, the long-term health consequences of body art had remained largely uncharted. A group of scholars from the University of Lund in Sweden decided to delve into the potential connection between the surge in global popularity of tattoos and a perplexing surge in the prevalence of lymph node cancer (lymphoma).
To conduct their study, the scientists scrutinized data from 11,905 subjects, which included 2,938 individuals aged 20 to 60 who had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Among them, 21% had tattoos, compared to 18% in the control group devoid of lymphoma. The outcome? "Following our analysis, accounting for other significant factors such as smoking and age, we discovered that people with tattoos experienced a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma," the authors convey.
"The picture is more intricate than we initially presumed"
The root cause remains a puzzle. Nevertheless, the size of the tattoo seems to hold no weight in the process. "We are still scratching our heads as to why this happens. It is conceivable that a tattoo, regardless of its largeness, instigates a mild inflammation within the body that could cause cancer," shares study author Christel Nielsen in a statement from the university. "The picture is more intricate than we initially conceived."
Oftentimes, individuals get their first tattoo during their youth, suggesting that their bodies have hosted tattoo ink for a substantial duration. Previous trials have affirmed that tattoo ink and vicious compounds course through the body as minuscule particles. "We know that once the tattoo ink is injected into the skin, the body perceives it as a foreign entity that shouldn't be there and initiates the immune system," states Christel Nielsen. "The majority of the ink is transported from the skin to the lymph nodes, where it resides."
No need for alarm
There's no need for individuals with tattoos to be alarmed, asserts health experts. "It would be inaccurate to claim that someone who acquires a tattoo is 20% more likely to contract these lymphomas," cautions toxicologist Jan G. Hengstler in an interview with ntv/RTL. The study presents clues, but a conclusive assertion cannot be made on account of statistical inconsistencies. Hence, even considering some variables, including age and smoking habits of the participants, other crucial factors contributing to a heightened cancer risk, such as genetic predispositions or other environmental elements, cannot be dismissed.
What's more, the authors underscored that they had only managed to establish a correlation, not causation. Therefore, a more in-depth analysis is required. Their purpose is not to dissuade people from getting tattoos, but to emphasize the importance of a secure inking process. "Individuals should be mindful of the potential impact of tattoos on their health and consult their physician if they notice any symptoms that may be associated with the tattoo," expounds the research team.
Prohibition on Harmful Chemicals and Pigments
For a considerable time, the potential carcinogenic properties of tattoos have piqued the interest of scientists. However, there is no irrefutable proof to substantiate this claim. Chronic ailments like cancer don't typically develop immediately after exposure. Consequently, it's challenging for experts to detect a connection with tattoos. Notwithstanding, it's indisputable that the ink beneath the skin can result in infectious diseases, hypersensitive reactions, and allergies. These could surface immediately following the inking process.
To date, over 4000 chemicals in tattoo inks have been prohibited in the European Union. Recently, the pigments "Blue 15:3" and "Green 7" were withdrawn from circulation. They were also part of numerous mixed colors. The tattoo ink additionally comprises other materials such as preservatives or additives. The long-term repercussions are largely unexplored. No studies have been conducted.
Read also:
- This will change in December
- Dikes withstand water masses so far - Scholz holds out the prospect of help
- Fireworks and parties ring in 2024 - turn of the year overshadowed by conflicts
- Attacks on ships in the Red Sea: shipping companies avoid important trade route
Despite the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment calling for a thorough review of the chemicals used in tattoo inks due to potential cancer risks, many individuals continue to choose tattooing as a form of expression or self-expression. This nuanced relationship between tattoos, health, and cancer warrants further investigation.
Furthermore, the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment urges tattoo artists to use safer alternatives and abide by stricter regulations, given the concerning evidence linking certain tattoo inks to higher cancer risks, particularly lymphoma.
Source:
