Tattoos may increase risk of developing lymphoma, alarming new study finds

In the modern landscape of self-expression, the appeal of tattoos has only grown.

But a new study contains a surprising revelation: People with tattoos may have a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma.

The study from Lund University in Sweden reveals that the risks of developing lymphoma increase regardless of the size of the tattoo.

MELANOMA PATIENTS REVEAL DRAMATIC STORIES FOR SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: “I THOUGHT I WAS BEING CAREFUL”

Dr. Christel Nielsen, lead author of the study, highlighted the cultural significance of tattoos as a form of body art.

“People will likely want to continue to express their identity through tattoos, and so it is very important that we as a society can ensure that this is safe,” Dr. Nielsen said in a statement.

These remarks highlight the broader health and safety implications of the growing tattoo trend.

Here’s a deeper dive.

Most common types of cancer in people with tattoos

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system, a key part of the body’s immune defense.

The study found that the most common types of cancer associated with people with tattoos were diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The American Cancer Society notes that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for approximately 4% of all cancers.

The cancer organization estimates that about 80,620 people will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma this year.

The new study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, spanned a decade and involved 11,905 participants aged 20 to 60.

The American Cancer Society notes that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States.

Of this group, 2,938 people had lymphoma. Participants, who included people with lymphoma as well as people from a control group, were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire about tattoos.

CANCER SCREENINGS: HERE ARE 5 TYPES AND CRITICAL INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT EACH

Although the study found no significant correlation between tattoo size and lymphoma risk, it did find that lymphoma risk is highest among those who got their first tattoo less than two years ago .

Researchers say more studies and work are needed.

The report comes at a crucial time when tattoos are gaining traction across all demographics.

An August 2023 Pew Research Center survey illustrated the prevalence of tattoos among Americans, revealing that 32% of adults have at least one tattoo.

Pew data found that tattoos are more common among women than men.

Among them, 22% have more than one tattoo on their body. Additionally, Pew data found that tattoos are more common among women than men.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate inks and pigments used in tattoos. Although the FDA has some oversight over tattoos, it leaves active regulation up to the jurisdiction of state and local entities.

PERMANENT BRACELETS: THE TREND THAT WILL GIVE THE “FRESH” OF A “PAINLESS” TATTOO

Fox News medical contributor Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a double board-certified physician practicing in New York, raised concerns about the issue. “The ink is considered carcinogenic,” she said.

“The immune system activates in response to the ink you put in your body,” Dr. Nesheiwat recently said on “Fox & Friends First.”

Tattoos seem to be becoming more acceptable and commonplace with each passing year, fueled perhaps by their adoption by celebrities and many others.

Researchers now plan to examine possible links between tattoos and different types of cancer as well as inflammatory diseases.

This acceptance aligns with predictions from Fortune Business Insights, which predicts that the global tattoo market will more than double in size from $2.22 billion to $4.83 billion by 2032.

Yet despite market growth, comprehensive information on the long-term health implications of tattooing is scarce.

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Lund University researchers have called for more comprehensive examinations of the relationship between tattoos and various health problems, acknowledging that their findings are limited.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Researchers now plan to examine possible links between tattoos and different types of cancer as well as inflammatory diseases.

The research community is eager to understand the full impact of tattoos on human health as their popularity continues to grow.

For more health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.