Could having tattoos be linked with cancer? Lymphoma expert says it's not that simple

The theory is somehow tattoo ink enters the body's lymphatic system, but that does not mean tattoo ink necessarily causes cancer.A recent study out of Lund University appears to show an association between having tattoos and a heightened risk of cancer, but experts say more research is needed to establish causation.

"Their assessment is they feel there is an increased risk of about 20% risk compared to people that don't have tattoos," said Dr. Erwin Grussie, a leading lymphoma expert at Providence St. Joseph's Medical Center. "I don't believe that anybody who has a tattoo should freak out right now. I don't think it means somebody who has a tattoo will develop lymphoma. We should wait for more data," he said.I don't believe that anybody who has a tattoo should freak out right now. I don't think it means somebody who has a tattoo will develop lymphoma. We should wait for more data."One tattoo seemed to carry the same risk as multiple tattoos," said Grussie.

Grussie said more research is needed to prove causation and to see if lifestyle factors such as smoking played a role in these findings. But in the meantime, he said be aware that this is something researchers are looking at.

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