Claims have been buzzing around health blogs that tattoos may be related to
skin cancer. But is all the hype true? Does body art adversely affect and
damage our skin, whilst also increasing the chances of developing skin
cancer? The New York Times had an article today regarding this idea.
Physicians interviewed said that they do not see a likely cause between tattoo ink
metals inciting skin cancer; however they do believe there may be another
cause. In the report a few physicians made note that they have seen cases
where tattoos have covered up cancerous moles, thus the cancer has gone
undetected and untreated.
The New York Times reported, "More likely, he said, the tattoo was placed on
an existing mole, making any changes in the mole hard to spot. Several case
studies have dealt with melanomas that were overlooked because they arose
from moles hidden by tattoos. Dr. Ostad says he is often asked whether
tattoos can lead to cancer, and the answer "is unequivocally no." "But
people should know that they should always leave a rim of healthy skin
around a pre-existing mole."
If you are concerned about the possibility of having covered a mole, it may
be a wise choice to consider tattoo removal. The likelihood of tattoos
inducing cancer may be quite slim, but taking extra caution in protecting
your skin is always a good idea.
