Podcast Examines Tattoo Link to Blood Cancer Risk
August 10, 2024 — A new episode of the In Conversation podcast delves into the emerging evidence suggesting that tattoos may be linked to an increased risk of blood cancer, specifically lymphoma. The episode features insights from Dr. Milena Foerster, a researcher specializing in the potential health impacts of tattoos, and includes perspectives from Medical News Today editors Maria Cohut and Yasemin Nikola Sakay.
Tattoos are a popular form of self-expression, with a 2023 Pew Research Center survey indicating that 32% of Americans have at least one tattoo. While tattoos often symbolize significant personal milestones or emotional healing, recent studies have raised concerns about their long-term health effects.
A July 2024 study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology revealed that 26 out of 75 tested tattoo and permanent makeup inks were contaminated with bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis and Cutibacterium acnes, which can lead to severe infections.
More alarmingly, research from Lund University, published in eClinical Medicine in June 2024, found a 21% increased risk of lymphoma associated with having any size tattoo. This study analyzed data from the Swedish National Cancer Register, focusing on individuals aged 20–60 diagnosed with lymphoma between 2007 and 2017.
The podcast explores the biological mechanisms that might explain how tattoos could elevate the risk of blood cancer and whether certain types of tattoos pose a greater risk than others. It also addresses whether people should be concerned about these potential risks and what factors should be considered when deciding to get a tattoo.
Dr. Foerster, who conducts research at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO), provides expert commentary on the current evidence and its implications.
In addition to the scientific discussion, MNT editor Andrea Rice shares her personal experiences with tattoos and her questions about the associated health risks, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the relationship between tattoos and cancer risk.
