An Ancestral Tradition
Throughout history, tattoos have been a form of artistic and cultural expression in various civilizations. From ancient tribes to contemporary cultures, the art of tattooing has left an indelible mark on humanity. Although it was once associated with prisoners, sailors and marginalized people, it has now experienced a renaissance and has become an increasingly accepted form of personal and artistic expression.
The Rise of Tattoos
Nowadays, tattoos have experienced an unprecedented boom. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, approximately one-third of the population in the United States has at least one tattoo. This phenomenon has transformed the perception of tattoos, which are now considered a form of art and personal expression.
Potential Risks
Despite their popularity, several studies have raised possible risks associated with tattoos. Researchers from Lund University in Sweden have published a study in the journal eClinicalMedicine that suggests a possible relationship between tattoos and a type of cancer known as malignant lymphoma. According to this study, tattooed people could face a 21% higher risk of developing this type of cancer compared to those who do not have tattoos.
Study Findings
The study conducted in Sweden involved almost 12,000 participants and was based on incident cases of malignant lymphoma diagnosed between 2007 and 2017. The researchers found that, even after accounting for factors such as smoking and age, the risk of malignant lymphoma was 21 % higher among tattooed people.
Perspectives and Skepticism
Although this study suggests an association between tattoos and the risk of malignant lymphoma, cancer experts say more research is needed to confirm this conclusion. Some oncologists express skepticism, noting that while the data is strong, tattoos are not among the main risk factors for lymphomas.
Possible causes
Researchers speculate that the ink used in tattoos could contain chemicals considered carcinogenic, which could increase the risk of lymphoma. Additionally, it has been noted that tattoo ink can reach the lymph nodes, raising concerns about possible health effects.