Tattoos linked to cancer risk, finds study, Indian experts ask to Monitor ink ingredients.

Tattoos have long been a symbol of self-expression and artistry, with countless individuals choosing to adorn their bodies with intricate designs and meaningful symbols. However, recent warnings from medical professionals shed light on the potential health risks associated with getting inked.Tattoos linked to cancer

According to doctors, the process of tattooing carries a significant risk of transmitting diseases such as Hepatitis B, C, and HIV, primarily due to the use of contaminated needles in non-expert hands.

“The most obvious health concerns emanate from the use of possibly infected needles used to draw. These tattoos in non-expert hand the risk of contracting infections like Hepatitis B, C or even HIV. Suhail Qureshi, Additional Director & Unit Head – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh, told IANS.

Tattoo inks are regulated as ‘cosmetics’ — alongside make-up and body lotions among others — under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA).Tattoos linked to cancer

This was the largest overhaul of cosmetics regulation since 1938 and gave the FDA new powers — including to monitor the ingredients in tattoos.

The agency has so far released draft guidance on tattoo inks, as it gears up to regulate the products.

A Swedish population-based case-control study has found that people with tattoos had higher risk of developing malignant lymphoma. A type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system compared to those without.

This alarming finding from Lund University, Sweden, held true even after researchers accounted for factors like age, income, education, and smoking habits.

Interestingly, Indian oncologists and dermatologists say that though the study doesn’t prove that tattooing cause cancer, the finding of possible connection. That has been establish in the study cannot be and should not be dismiss.

Tattoos are now a mainstream means to express identity or celebrate milestones in life. Yet we know very little about the long-term health effects. Hazardous chemicals in tattoo ink have received attention in Europe during the last ten years. In parallel, research has shown that the ink that is inject into the skin does not stay there.

The body perceives tattoo ink as something foreign that needs to be remove, and tattooing causes an immune response. That results in a large fraction of ink particles ending up in the lymph nodes. But the last piece of the puzzle has been lacking. How does tattoo ink deposited in the lymphatic system affect people’s health?

A study published in eClinicalMedicine looked into long-term health effects of tattoos. More specifically, the association between tattoos and lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. Researchers analyzed 1,398 participants with lymphoma and 4,193 participants without a lymphoma diagnosis, between ages 20 and 60. All participants answered a lifestyle questionnaire about tattoos. In the group with lymphoma, 21% had tattoos, while 18% had tattoos in the group without a lymphoma diagnosis.