Can Tattoos Cause Cancer? (2024)

If you have a tattoo or are thinking about getting one, you may have concerns about side effects and risks, including cancer. Tattoos have been associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer, including skin cancer.

The most common side effects of tattooing are allergic reactions, skin infections, and scarring. Some of these risks can be prevented by choosing a licensed tattoo artist who works in a sanitary environment.

Do Tattoos Cause or Increase the Risk of Cancer?

Tattoos have become increasingly common. Around 32% of Americans have at least one tattoo. Concerns over cancer risk have risen as tattoos have been linked in studies to several types of cancer.

However, the evidence regarding tattoos and cancer is not conclusive, and more research is needed. Most people who have tattoos do not get tattoo-related cancers. Still, it's important to be aware of the potential risks.

The association between tattoos and cancer is based on the ingredients found in tattoo ink. Tattoo ink is placed inside the skin's surface with electronic needles. This process generates an immunological response that causes the ink to travel from the injection sites to the lymph nodes.

This does not necessarily indicate a pathway for cancer. It may be evidence that your immune system is healthy and working properly. Tattoo ink can, however, contain known carcinogens, making them a potential cancer risk.

Tattoo ink is not regulated in the United States. This means that ink manufacturers are not required to disclose the ingredients used in their products. The tattoo artist may also be unaware of the entire list of ingredients. So, there's no clear-cut way to know if you are introducing carcinogenic substances into your body or their quantity.

Common carcinogens found in tattoo ink include:

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Heavy metals, such as cadmium, lead, cobalt salts, arsenic, and mercury
• Primary aromatic amines (PAAs)
  

Skin Cancer

The Skin Cancer Foundation states that tattoos do not increase your risk for this disease. However, a small body of evidence links the carcinogens in tattoo ink to skin cancer.

A literature review of 51 studies uncovered 64 cases of tattoo-associated skin cancer among study participants, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Of the 64 cases, 58% were associated with blue ink and black ink. The other 34% were associated with red ink.

While compelling, it's important to note that these studies found an association rather than a causative link. This means they didn't conclude that the ink caused cancer.

Other studies have reported similar findings. An older study published in the British Journal of Dermatology uncovered the presence of microscopic nanoparticles in tattoo ink. Nanoparticles can penetrate the skin's layers and travel through the bloodstream to the brain and other areas of the body. Nanoparticles are potentially toxic, and can contain carcinogenic materials.

Tattoos can also make it difficult to diagnose skin cancer. Early warning signs, like spots and lesions, may be harder to see under a tattoo, leading to a later-stage diagnosis and a poorer outcome.

Lymphoma

Only one study has found an association between tattoo ink and lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.

A population-based, observational study in Sweden analyzed lymphoma cases in tattooed and non-tattooed people age 20 to 60. The population with tattoos had a 21% higher risk overall than the non-tattooed population. The most common types of lymphoma found were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.

Cases of lymphoma were highest in the following two groups:

• People who were tattooed with their first tattoo less than two years before disease onset
• People who were tattooed with their first tattoo more than 11 years before disease onset

The number or size of the tattoos was not found to alter or increase risk.

This study suggests a link between tattoo ink and lymphoma. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

What Are the Other Health Risks Associated With Tattoos?

Several common side effects may result from tattooing. Some may become apparent quickly, while others may show up years later.

Allergic Reactions

It's possible to be allergic to the pigments, dyes, and other ingredients found in tattoo ink. Since tattoos are permanent, your body may continue to manifest an allergic reaction over time rather than acclimating to the invading substance. It's not impossible to have an allergic reaction to tattoo ink days, months, or even decades later.

An allergic reaction to tattoo ink may cause:

• Itchy rash
• Bumps
• Scaling
• Flaking

Some people become allergic to the sun after getting a tattoo. If you acquire a sun allergy, your inked skin may become red, itchy, or swollen whenever ultraviolet (UV) rays touch it. You can avoid this reaction by always wearing sunscreen or covering the affected area.

Skin Infections

Getting a tattoo is an invasive process, meaning it breaks skin. You can get a viral or bacterial infection if the needles or ink are contaminated. The tattoo artist's hands and your own skin can also contain microbes that may be passed into your skin.

Your aftercare practices can also have an effect on getting an infection. Tattooing creates a type of wound. If you don't keep this skin area clean, you may introduce contaminants that cause an infection.

Infections from tattoos can occur immediately after getting inked or days or months afterward.

Signs of infection include:

• Itchy rash
• Painful bumps or blisters
• Oozing pus
• Open sores
• Fever
• Chills
  

If you have diabetes or an autoimmune condition (when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, organs, and tissue), you may need to take extra precautions to avoid an infection. Pregnant people should also take special care.

Scarring

Tattoo needles penetrate skin thousands of times per minute. This can cause scar tissue to form.

In some people, tattooing may result in keloid scars. Keloids are abnormal scars that extend beyond the borders of the original wound. Keloids may itch or cause pain.

Infectious Diseases

Getting a tattoo can put you at risk for an infectious disease if the equipment used to pierce your skin is contaminated. If the needles are not sterilized between patrons, you can be at risk for contracting diseases like hepatitis.

There are no known cases ofhuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission through tattoo needles. However, this is theoretically possible.

Reactions from MRIs

The magnets used during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures can cause redness, swelling, or burns in or around the tattoo.

Tattoos can also skew MRI results or make them hard to read. This is most likely to occur in tattoos containing red ink.

How to Avoid Health Risks When Getting a Tattoo

The best way to avoid health risks from tattoos is by doing research into the facility and the tattoo artist you are interested in using. Most health complications arise from using unlicensed, inexperienced tattooists who reuse needles or use unsanitary equipment.

You can further protect yourself by ensuring you are fully immunized against tetanus and hepatitis before getting tattooed.

Tattoo laws vary by state and by county. Most states require tattoo shops and artists to carry licenses. Opt to use licensed professionals, even if it means traveling to another state.

In addition to licensing, cleanliness is paramount. Consider visiting the tattoo shop before you book an appointment. Make sure it is very clean and well-lit. Take special note of the sterilization equipment used. Tattoo equipment should always be sterilized between patrons.

The needles should be brand new and disposable. Needles should never be reused. The ink used should also be new. Unused ink should always be disposed of rather than poured back into the bottle for the next patron.

Also, check to see if the tattoo artists are wearing gloves instead of working with bare hands. Gloves should be changed between patrons, and hands should be washed, even when gloves are worn.

Once home, do the following:

• Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
• Wash the area with gentle soap at least three times a day.
• Do not touch your new tattoo with unwashed hands.
• Use antibiotic lotion as instructed.
• Keep an eye out for infection.
• If signs of infection occur, contact a healthcare provider right away.

Summary

Some studies have uncovered an association between tattoo ink and certain types of cancer. However, your risk of getting cancer from a tattoo appears to be small. Side effects like skin infections, scarring, and allergic reactions are most common.

If you get a tattoo, taking precautions such as choosing a licensed, experienced tattoo artist can help reduce some risks. Ensure the tattoo parlor is sanitary, uses disposable needles, and maintains best practices for sterilizing their equipment.