SWEDEN, May 29: Researchers from Lund University in Sweden conducted a comprehensive analysis involving 11,905 participants, including 2,938 individuals diagnosed with lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, aged between 20 and 60. The study, published on May 21 in eClinicalMedicine, focused on assessing the potential correlation between tattoos and the risk of developing lymphoma.

Participants with lymphoma and those in the control group were required to complete a questionnaire regarding their tattoo history. The findings revealed that individuals with tattoos faced a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma compared to those without tattoos. Notably, the risk was found to be most elevated among individuals who had received their first tattoo less than two years before the study.

Contrary to expectations, the study did not find evidence suggesting an increased risk of lymphoma associated with larger-sized tattoos. The most prevalent types of cancer observed among participants were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.

Dr. Christel Nielsen, a professor at Lund University and one of the study's authors, emphasized the importance of interpreting the results cautiously, considering lymphoma's rarity. She highlighted the necessity for further verification and exploration of these findings through additional studies, which are currently underway.

Dr. Nielsen also underscored the potential mechanisms underlying the observed correlation, explaining that the injection of tattoo ink triggers an immune response, leading to its transportation to the lymph nodes, where it accumulates.

Moving forward, researchers intend to investigate potential associations between tattoos and other forms of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Dr. Nielsen emphasized the significance of ensuring the safety of tattoo practices within society, urging individuals to seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms potentially linked to their tattoos.

Aside from the risk of lymphoma, tattoos can also pose other health concerns, as highlighted by the Mayo Clinic. These include an increased susceptibility to skin infections due to breached skin barriers, allergic reactions to tattoo dyes, and rare complications during MRI scans, affecting image quality.

According to data from the Pew Research Center in August 2023, approximately 32% of adults have tattoos, with 22% having multiple tattoos. This widespread practice underscores the importance of ongoing research to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals choosing to express themselves through tattoos.