Tattoo Ink and Cancer Risk Needs Careful Context

New population studies suggest tattoos may be associated with higher rates of lymphoma and some skin cancers, but the evidence does not yet prove that tattoos cause cancer.

Recent research has raised a cautious signal that tattooing may be associated with increased risk of lymphoma and certain skin cancers. The current evidence is observational, meaning it can show a link but cannot prove cause and effect. For patients, this does not mean every tattoo is dangerous. For healthcare providers, it suggests tattoos should be in…