Research Suggests Tattoos May Lower Skin Cancer Risk

SALT LAKE CITY — Tattoos have long been a way for people to express themselves, but researchers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah have discovered a surprising potential health benefit: a reduced risk of skin cancer.

The study indicates that individuals who have experienced multiple tattoo sessions may face a lower risk of developing melanoma, although there’s an important detail to note.

A team led by Jennifer Doherty, who co-leads the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program, assessed around 7,000 residents of Utah. Their findings showed that those with two or more tattoo sessions exhibited a decreased likelihood of both invasive and in situ melanoma.

In situ melanoma refers to cancer that remains confined to the surface of the skin and is generally easier to treat.

However, interestingly, the study found that those with just a single tattoo session had an increased likelihood of melanoma, particularly in situ. While experts are curious about why this might be the case, it remains speculative, and further research is necessary to clarify the trend.

“As tattoos become more common, especially among younger people, it’s important to explore how they might be linked to different cancer risks,” Doherty noted.

According to data from the Pew Research Center, about one-third of American adults have tattoos. This figure rises to around 41% for those under 30 and 46% for individuals between 30 and 49 years old.

Doherty further elaborated, “The findings regarding melanoma are somewhat mixed. Yet, we notice a clearer trend of decreased risk in those with two to four tattoo sessions, which seems stronger compared to the increased risk in those with only one session.”

Initially, the research team thought that having more tattoos might elevate melanoma risk because of potential carcinogens, like metals and chemicals, found in tattoo ink. Experts suggest that over time, the ink in a person’s skin may break down and lead to the formation of new carcinogenic substances.

“We were taken aback by the results indicating that tattoos could lower melanoma risk. But it’s not simply a matter of saying ‘get more tattoos to reduce your melanoma risk,’” explained Rachel McCarty, a post-doctoral scientist at the International Agency for Research on Cancer. “We need to conduct more studies to understand whether this reduced risk stems from behavioral habits, physical traits, or possibly a beneficial immune response linked to tattooing.”

One hypothesis offered by the researchers is that people with several tattoos might be more vigilant about sun safety and skin care. Another possibility is that tattoos could serve as a protective barrier against ultraviolet radiation, or even trigger an immune response against precancerous cells.

“Tattoo artists often recommend that their clients use sunscreen to prevent fading,” McCarty said. “It’s clear that wearing sunscreen is a key safety measure for everyone, irrespective of having tattoos.”

The findings were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.