Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 28: A recent study has brought renewed attention to the potential health risks associated with tattoos, suggesting that body art may be linked to a higher likelihood of developing melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

According to the findings, individuals with tattoos faced a 29% greater risk of melanoma, a cancer strongly associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure. Interestingly, the study found no increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, another UV-related skin cancer. While both conditions stem from sun damage, melanoma originates from pigment-producing melanocytes, making it far more aggressive.

Tattoos have become a major form of self-expression and identity worldwide. In Sweden alone, nearly one in three adults sports at least one tattoo, reflecting how deeply embedded body art is in modern culture. But the growing popularity brings a pressing question to the forefront: Do tattoos affect long-term health?

Researchers say much remains unknown. One challenge is that people who choose to get tattooed often differ from those who do not — in lifestyle, habits, and demographics — making it harder to pinpoint whether tattoos themselves play a direct role in health outcomes.

Compounding the challenge, most medical records do not track whether a person has tattoos, limiting scientists’ ability to study long-term patterns or identify risks early.

As body art continues to grow in mainstream appeal, epidemiologists emphasize the need for more comprehensive research — and better data collection — to understand whether tattoos carry risks beyond skin-deep aesthetics.