Why People With Many Tattoos Face Less Melanoma Risk
Could multiple tattoos actually reduce the risk of skin cancer? New research from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah suggests there may be an unexpected connection between tattoos and melanoma risk.
Surprising Findings in Tattoo Research
A research team led by Dr. Jennifer Doherty, PhD, MS, examined health data from more than 7,000 Utah residents. The results, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI), revealed a surprising trend:
- People who had two or more tattoo sessions showed a lower risk of developing melanoma, both invasive and non-invasive (in situ).
- On the other hand, individuals with only one tattoo session appeared to have a higher likelihood of melanoma, especially the early-stage form known as in situ melanoma.
These contrasting patterns highlight that the relationship between tattoos and melanoma risk is more complex than previously thought.
Why Might Multiple Tattoos Lower Melanoma Risk?
The research team initially expected the opposite outcome. Tattoo ink often contains metals and other chemicals, which can break down over time and potentially form cancer-causing compounds. Tattoos can also trigger inflammation, a known contributor to cancer.
However, several possible explanations may account for the lower risk seen in heavily tattooed individuals:
- Sun Protection Habits: People with tattoos may be more diligent about applying sunscreen to protect their body art from fading.
- Physical Barrier Effect: Tattoo pigments might block some ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Immune Response: Tattooing may stimulate immune activity in the skin that helps the body fight off precancerous changes.
Still, the researchers emphasise that more studies are needed to confirm whether tattoos themselves play a protective role or whether the reduced risk is due to lifestyle factors such as sun safety.
Tattoos Do Not Eliminate Skin Cancer Risk
Dr. Rachel McCarty, PhD, the study’s first author, cautions against viewing tattoos as a preventive tool for skin cancer. She explains that the findings are not a recommendation to get more tattoos in hopes of lowering melanoma risk. Instead, they highlight the need for deeper investigation into the biological and behavioural factors at play.
Importantly, tattoo wearers should continue practising safe sun habits. Tattoo artists already advise clients to use sunscreen to preserve their ink, and dermatologists stress that this is vital for overall skin health. UV exposure not only damages tattoos but can also increase the risk of harmful pigment breakdown products forming in the skin.
Conclusion
While this study pointed to a lower tattoo and melanoma risk association, earlier research, including work from the same team and studies in Sweden, suggests tattoos might be linked to higher risks of certain blood cancers. This means tattoos may not carry the same effect across all cancer types.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Conclusion
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 18 September 2025
- 20:00
