A new study published in the BMC Public Health journal revealed a potential relationship between tattoos and an increased risk of skin cancer. Scientists from the University of South Denmark and the University of Helsinki, having analyzed the health data of almost 5900 pairs of twins, came to the conclusion that in people with tattoos the risk of developing skin cancer increases by 1.62 times compared to those who do not have tattoos, reports science Daily.
Particular attention in the study was paid to the size of tattoos. It was found that in people with tattoos the size of “more palm” the risk of developing skin cancer increases 2.37 times, and the risk of lymphoma is 2.73 times. At the same time, the color of ink used for tattoos did not have a significant impact on the risk of cancer.
Scientists suggest that small particles of ink can penetrate the bloodstream and accumulate in the lymph nodes, which, in turn, can negatively affect the work of the immune system and lead to increased risk of cancer in the long term.
However, researchers emphasize that additional, more large -scale studies are needed for the final determination whether the application of tattoos is an independent risk factor for cancer. They also urge regulatory authorities to strengthen control over the quality of ink for tattoos.