BMC Public Health

Tattoo ink linked to increased risk of cancer

March 10, 2025

Study details: This Danish study utilized two designs: a cohort study of 2,367 twins and a case-control study of 316 twins born between 1960 and 1996. Cancer diagnoses were obtained from the Danish Cancer Registry, and tattoo ink exposure data were collected from the Danish Twin Tattoo survey.

Results: Tattooed individuals had a significant increase in the hazard of skin cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma) and lymphoma. Specifically, the hazard ratio (HR) for skin cancer was 1.62 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.41) and for lymphoma, it was 2.73 (95% CI: 1.33–5.60). Larger tattoos (greater than the size of a palm) were associated with even higher risks: HR of 2.37 (95% CI: 1.11–5.06) for skin cancer and 2.83 (95% CI: 1.30–6.16) for basal cell carcinoma

Clinical impact: Tattoo ink may contribute to an increased risk of developing certain skin cancers and lymphoma. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the mechanisms behind tattoo ink-induced carcinogenesis and to inform public health policies regarding tattoo ink safety.

Source:

Clemmensen SB, et al. (2025, January 15). BMC Public Health. Tattoo ink exposure is associated with lymphoma and skin cancers - a Danish study of twins. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39819495/