Swedish research examined 2,880 melanoma cases and found people with tattoos were 29% more likely to develop the skin cancer, though experts say more research is needed
Neil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle) and Michael D. Carroll
06:10 ET, 28 Nov 2025
Woman’s Mid Body with Tattoos on Black background.
A cancer warning has been issued to anyone with a tattoo, following the discovery of a 29% increased risk of developing melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer often associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Recent research revealed that individuals with tattoos have an elevated risk of dangerous melanoma, but not of the less harmful carcinoma.
Christel Nielsen, Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Lund University, stated: “Despite their popularity, scientists still do not know whether tattoos have any impact on health, or how any potential effects might unfold over time. Epidemiologists are now trying to answer these questions.
She explained how work is challenging because people who choose to get tattoos often differ from those who do not in ways that can influence health outcomes. “Another difficulty is that most health records do not note whether someone is tattooed,” she said. “Which means long-term patterns are hard to study. Without this basic information, it becomes difficult to know whether tattoos themselves play a role in health or whether differences are driven by other factors.”
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Professor Nielsen’s team selected a group of individuals diagnosed with cancer and examined who among them had tattoos. The team utilized medical records in Sweden and identified everyone aged 20 to 60 who was diagnosed with melanoma in 2017 or squamous cell carcinoma between 2014 and 2017.
Professor Nielsen’s team selected a group of individuals
The study encompassed 2,880 melanoma cases and 2,821 squamous cell carcinoma cases. All participants were sent questionnaires inquiring about tattoos, reports the Mirror.
A total of 5,695 individuals participated in the melanoma study, with 1,598 having melanoma.
Professor Nielsen stated: “People with tattoos were 29% more likely to develop melanoma compared with those without tattoos. The risk increase seemed to be highest in those who had tattoos for more than ten years, although the numbers were smaller in this group, so results should be interpreted cautiously.”
She further explained: “One possible explanation is that tattoo ink does not remain confined to the skin. The body’s immune system treats it as a foreign substance and transports some ink particles to the lymph nodes. These particles can stay there long-term. While we do not yet know whether this causes harm, it could potentially lead to chronic inflammation, which has been linked to cancer development.”
Recent US research indicated that large tattoos might lower the risk of melanoma
The research incorporated data on sun exposure (both occupational and recreational), tanning bed use, smoking, education level, marital status, and household income. It also considered factors such as skin type, pigmentation, age, and sex.
Professor Nielsen added: “These details matter because they can influence both who gets tattoos and who develops cancer. For instance, people who spend a lot of time in the sun may be more likely to have tattoos and to develop melanoma. Accounting for these differences reduces bias and strengthens confidence in the results.”
Recent US research indicated that large tattoos might lower the risk of melanoma, but that study failed to account for critical factors such as skin type or UV exposure. The findings may therefore represent behavioral patterns rather than biological mechanisms.
Recent US research indicated that large tattoos might lower the risk of melanoma
For instance, individuals with extensive tattoos may steer clear of sunbathing or tanning beds to preserve their body art, which would naturally decrease UV damage.
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Professor Nielsen told The Conversation: ” So, do tattoos cause skin cancer? The simple answer is that we do not know yet. Our results suggest a possible link between tattoos and melanoma, but one study is never enough to prove causation.
“More research is needed to explore potential biological mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, and to examine how different types of ink or colours might interact with UV exposure. The composition of tattoo pigments varies widely, and many contain compounds that can break down into harmful by-products when exposed to sunlight or laser removal treatments.
“If you have tattoos, there is no need for panic, but awareness matters. Continue to protect your skin from UV radiation just as you would otherwise: use sunscreen, avoid excessive tanning and check your skin regularly for new or changing moles.”
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