Tattooing has become extremely popular these days as it is a statement as much as it is a style. People, irrespective of their gender, enjoy tattooing unique shapes, designs or even words on their bodies in multiple colours. However, comprehensive studies about the long-term side effects of tattooing haven’t been conducted yet. In a recent research study that was conducted at Lund University in Sweden, it was found that the tattoos on the body may be related to a cancer called lymphoma which affects the lymphatic system. The study was conducted in 12,000 participants. Researchers observed that those who had at least one tattoo on their body had 21% more chance for lymphoma. However, the report fails to explain how the tattoos cause cancer.
Cristeel Nielsen, associate professor at the Lund University who led the research said that they suspected whether the slight inflammation that the tattoos create on the body is the reason for cancer. Besides, the harmful chemicals in the ink that is used for tattooing could be the reason. However, the report suggests that more studies are required to confirm these hypotheses. Meanwhile, Dr. Timothy Rebek, professor at TH Chan School of Public Health, University of Harvard said in an interview to CNN that the study doesn’t present any conclusive evidence to prove that tattoos are related to cancer. The research report was published in the eClinicalMedicine journal.

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