TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A physician from Taipei's Shu-Tien Urology Ophthalmology Clinic has raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with tattoos, citing a foreign study that suggests a 21% higher chance of developing malignant lymphoma among tattooed individuals.
Dr. Chen Po-chen (陳柏臣) shared these findings on his Facebook page, "Dr. Chen Po-chen's Health Clinic" (陳柏臣醫師的健康診間), in mid-January, urging the public to reconsider before getting inked. He highlighted that the study, published in 2024, found a correlation between tattoos and malignant lymphoma, regardless of the tattoo's size.
The risk typically manifests two years after getting a tattoo and peaks in the 11th year. He also advised caution with cosmetic procedures like eyebrow embroidery, misting, and lip tattoos, as natural dyes might contain pyrogallol, a carcinogen banned by the EU.
Wu Chiao-en (吳教恩), an oncologist, added context to the study, noting that while 21% of lymphoma patients had tattoos, the control group also showed an 18% incidence. He emphasized that the study's findings might not fully reflect real-world occurrences. In Taiwan, where the lymphoma incidence rate is 0.01%, tattooed individuals face a slightly increased risk of 0.012%.
