Having a tattoo can increase your chance of developing any type of cancer by 21%, shows a recent study from Lund University, Sweden.
Researchers have discovered a potential link between tattoos and a cancer of the lymphatic system known as lymphoma, a blood cancer that attacks the immune system.
The purpose of the study is to understand whether tattoos have any effect on health, since there is little research in this area.
“It is important to emphasize that lymphoma is rare and that the results are generalizable to the group. The results now need to be verified and studied in other studies,” said study leader Dr. Christel Nielsen.
The study involved 11,905 people. Of these, 2,938 had lymphoma between the ages of 20 and 60 years. Of the control group, consisting of 4193 people, 1398 people agreed to answer the questionnaire. 21% of people with lymphoma admitted to having tattoos.
“We can only assume that a tattoo, regardless of its size, causes mild inflammation in the body, which can cause cancer,” he added.
The researcher believes that even so, people who are aware of this reality will be able to continue getting tattoos. “It is important that we as a society make this experience safer,” he concluded.