Almost one-third of American adults have at least one tattoo, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey. And while research is still ongoing, some studies have pinpointed a concerning link between tattoos and certain cancers.
The ink in tattoos can expose people to carcinogens. Some studies have associated tattoos with a higher risk of some blood and skin cancers. Others have found no link.
Learn what you should know about tattoos and cancer risk.
Are Tattoos Linked to Cancer Risk?
The research about tattoos and cancer is ongoing and currently unclear.
Some studies have associated tattoos with a higher risk of lymphoma and skin cancers. Others have identified no link. One recent study even associated multiple tattoo sessions with a lower risk of melanoma.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lymphoma is a bigger potential concern than skin cancers. That's because the lymphatic system has more exposure to tattoo ink compared to the epidermal (top) layer of the skin.
Do tattoos cause lymphoma?
A 2024 study in eClinicalMedicine reported that people with tattoos had a 21% higher risk of malignant lymphoma. It found no association between larger tattoos (bigger than the palm of a hand) and lymphoma risk.
A 2025 study in BMC Public Health also reported that people with tattoos faced a higher risk of lymphoma and skin cancer.
The study authors wrote that tattoo ink particles can lead to chronic inflammation, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells. Unlike the eClinicalMedicine study , the BMC Public Health study linked larger tattoos with an increased cancer risk.
While these studies have shown a potential association between tattoos and lymphoma, it is not definitively known whether tattoos cause lymphoma. More research into the topic is needed.
Do tattoos cause skin cancer?
The research into whether tattoos cause skin cancer is mixed. Some studies have indicated an association between tattoos and cancer risk. Others have reported no link.
The 2025 BMC Public Health study reported a higher risk of skin cancers other than basal cell carcinoma in people with tattoos.
Another 2025 study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute , reported there was no association between tattoos and skin cancer. The study analyzed more than 110,000 people in France.
Meanwhile, another 2025 study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported a lower risk of melanoma in people with more tattoo exposure.
The study, based in Utah, reported that people with four or more tattoo sessions or three or more large tattoos had a lower melanoma risk. The authors cautioned that people shouldn't view tattoos as protective against melanoma.
Similar to lymphoma, more definitive research is needed on tattoos and skin cancer risk.
What Chemicals Are in Tattoo Ink?
Tattoo ink safety is a significant concern. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) typically doesn't exert its regulatory power on pigments used in tattoo ink.
According to the WHO, tattoo ink can include up to 100 chemicals, including:
- Heavy metals.
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
- Primary aromatic amines (PAAs).
Tattoo ink ingredients can cause many health concerns. Some of the ingredients are carcinogens, posing a potential risk for cancer.
The particles from tattoo ink can accumulate in nearby lymph nodes. This can lead to inflammation, which could lead to cancer.
Scientists are also concerned that the pigments may travel through the bloodstream. This could cause them to affect other organs. There is also a worry that tattoos could affect the immune system.
Beyond a potential cancer risk, other tattoo health risks include allergic reactions, infections, and scarring.
Does UV light break down tattoo ink chemicals?
Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure can cause the pigments in tattoo ink to break down. This breakdown can potentially release dangerous chemical compounds into the bloodstream that can risk our health.
It's important to limit UV exposure on tattoos.
How can I choose safe tattoo ink?
No tattoo inks are FDA-approved, and none are completely safe. The FDA says ink can be contaminated even if it's sealed.
Red ink is most often associated with allergic reactions, according to the Institute for Environmental Research and Education (IERE). Yellow ink can cause sensitivity to sunlight.
Black ink carries a lower risk of allergies, but it can also contain carbon black. Carbon black can be contaminated by PAHs that are potentially carcinogenic.
What Steps Can I Take to Make Tattoos Safer?
Beyond the unknown risk for cancer, tattoos come with potential health risks — infections, allergies, and more. It's important to be aware of potential risks and what to do to lower them.
Here are some steps to take for tattoo safety:
- Make sure you want it — Tattoos are major life decisions; they are very difficult to remove. Before getting tattooed, make sure you're ready. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Conditions like allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, or a compromised immune system may put you at a greater risk of complications.
- Go to a licensed tattoo parlor — You should always visit a licensed tattoo establishment. To get and maintain a license in Pennsylvania, businesses must follow a strict set of standards for cleanliness and safety. Tattoo artists must also have individual permits. Visiting a licensed establishment can help lower your risk.
- Make sure it's clean — Both the tattoo establishment and the tattoo artist should meet requirements for cleanliness. Make sure that the location is clean; in Pennsylvania, they must pass a yearly health inspection. The tattoo artist must wear disposable gloves and change them after each customer or if the gloves become contaminated. The tattoo station must be sanitized between each customer. Needles, ink caps, and other single-use equipment must not be reused.
- Follow the proper tattoo aftercare protocol — Your tattoo establishment should give you tattoo aftercare tips. Make sure you follow their instructions to reduce your risk of complications. It's also important to protect your tattoo from sun exposure. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as a rash or fever, contact your doctor.
How Can I Protect Myself from Skin Cancer?
There is no proven link between tattoos and skin cancer. But it's still important to be vigilant about skin cancer prevention.
Here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Apply sunscreen — You should use a mineral-based sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Make sure you apply the sunscreen to your tattoo once it's healed.
- Cover your tattoo — If possible, keep your tattoo covered to protect it from UV rays.
- Don't use tanning beds — Tanning beds can significantly increase your skin cancer risk.
- Limit your sun exposure — Minimize your time outside when the sun's rays are strongest, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Perform regular skin checks — Always be mindful of any new moles or other skin irregularities that appear. If you see something, contact a dermatologist.
- Visit a doctor for skin cancer screenings — While you should be mindful of your own skin, tattoos can make it difficult to notice any new abnormalities. You should visit a dermatologist for an annual checkup. They can find potential causes for concern that you might not see.
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). To learn more about the life-changing care we provide, visit our website.
