Rupa
There is no dearth of assumptions regarding what causes cancer. Some are established facts while others are yet to be proved. For example, some people think tattooing can harm the skin and may trigger cancer risk. Is it only a myth or there is any truth in the assumption? We will discuss it in this article.
Tattooing is a hot fashion these days. However, its origin can be traced back to ancient times. The process involves permanent marking on the skin and it is often done to flaunt fashion, symbolize love, spiritual belief, military affiliation or show respect to cine stars, celebrity sportspersons or any revered figure. Tattoo artists use tiny ink droplets to create images or messages on skin. Regardless of the design, the significance of a tattoo lies in its personal appeal to the person who gets it.
Origin of Tattoos
Tattoos are an ancient art form that can be traced back to 3100 BC. However, they became a part of mainstream culture only in the last decade, before which, tattoos were considered as fringe or countercultural. These days, tattoos convey a passion for modernity and are mostly desired by teens and youths.
Should cancer patients have tattoos? Are tattoos related to cancer risk? Let us find out suitable answers to these questions.
Are Tattoos Safe?
As tattoos are spiking up in popularity, there are great concerns over their safety. Tattoos are believed to be safe though research into the ingredients and inks used to do tattooing is not conclusive enough to confirm or dismiss any link between tattooing and cancer risk. Chemicals used for tattooing may have cariogenic properties. Furthermore, having tattoos on any part of the body may make it difficult to detect any kind of abnormalities including cancer growth on the skin.
Tattooing may cause skin rashes, scarring and allergic reactions. This is especially true if you get your tattoo done by a tattoo artist having no license or if your tattoo is not properly healed. These days, one can see mushrooming of tattoo parlours in metro cities and even towns. One can even see young people, especially girls, sitting on the roadside benches before tattoo artists who are busy making beautiful designs.
Getting tattoos done at a non-registered parlour or by a roadside artist increases the chance of contracting some contagious diseases like infections or hepatitis.
Tattoos are Common, Right?
You are not wrong in thinking that more people are having tattoos these days. In fact, it is becoming increasingly popular among middle-aged and even elderly people. That says a lot about the present-day scenario when it comes to tattoos.
As per data, tattoos started gaining popularity in India during the 2000s when the internet entered our life and more people got to watch Hollywood stars and celebrity players having tattoos on their bodies. In the age of social media, tattoos have undergone a quick transformation to symbolize modern culture. The fashion became a wild craze among youths and acceptance made way for preference, with tattoos becoming a way to express their love and emotion.
Tattoos and Cancer Risk
Getting a tattoo is less likely to increase your cancer risk. However, some ingredients in tattoo inks may ring the alarm for the risk. Tattoo inks contain colouring pigments, glycerine and water. However, according to researchers, these may contain heavy metals and contaminants in addition to other toxic substances like ammonia, nickel, preservatives and shellac. Many of these agents have carcinogenic properties.
Earlier in 2023, a study in the USA found that nearly half of all tattoo inks may have carcinogenic elements. A study by SUNY (State University of New York) at Binghamton has found that American tattoo artists use 56 popular inks, of which, 23 have azy dyes that are not harmful in chemically intact conditions but may develop carcinogenic properties after breaking down in contact with ultraviolet rays or bacteria.
A 2018 research found nanoparticles in tattoo inks, including those capable of making their way to blood vessels through the skin. Some shreds of evidence suggest that nanoparticles may damage nerves and the brain. Research claims to have found nanoparticles in tattoo inks, particularly in black ink, which have got into blood vessels throughout the body.
Another interesting finding is removing tattoos does not eliminate the cancer risk posed by these harmful substances. Pulsed lasers are used to remove tattoos by breaking down skin’s large pigment particles, which may move into the body.
However, no concrete evidence is yet to find out, which will suggest a close association between tattoos and skin cancer risk. According to research, skin cancer development from tattoos is purely coincidental.
Tattoos and Infection Risk
Tattoos, though not conclusively linked to cancer, may increase skin infection risk. This explains why cancer patients and survivors should talk to their oncologists about whether they should get tattoos and if yes, when to get one. Cancer patients have their immune system severely compromised. Even minor infections could give them big trouble.
Major complications linked to tattoos include:
- Allergies such as granulomas, dermatitis or inflammation that cause small bumps on the skin
- Skin infections, especially streptococcus pyogenes and staphylococcus aureus
- Keloids or slightly raised areas caused by scar tissue or an overgrowth
- Viral infections like hepatitis C and HIV if needles are contaminated (though these are rare but the possibility cannot be ignored. These viruses are linked to an enhanced risk of developing different types of cancer)
- Burning or swelling during an MRI scan (though an extremely rare case)
- Interference with MRI image quality (in some cases)
Consult a physician if you experience any type of issue listed above or others not mentioned in this article, after getting a tattoo. Allergic reaction or infection is common among people who get a tattoo, especially for the first time.
Qualities to Look for in a Tattoo Artist
The best way to avoid risks when getting a tattoo is to find a reputed artist or get the artwork done at a registered parlour.
A good tattoo artist should:
- have a proper license and enough experience
- sanitize needles before reusing
- use good quality inks that contain no harmful chemicals
Who Should Avoid Getting a Tattoo?
Cancer patients, who are undergoing treatment or recovering from the gruesome effects of surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation, should wait before getting a tattoo. Surgical scars take time to heal. Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation should avoid getting a tattoo until the treatment is done as it could increase the risk of infection.
Patients with a compromised immune system should hold off on getting a tattoo. Lymphedema is common after breast cancer surgery, especially if the surgery involves the removal of lymph nodes under the axilla. The procedure of getting a tattoo may put additional strain on already damaged lymphatic system. There is a high chance that the ink will react badly to skin already damaged by underlying health condition.
