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Tattoos and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a population-based case-control study.
Emelie Rietz Liljedahl1, Malin Engfeldt2,3, Kari Nielsen4,5
1Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden. emelie.rietz_liljedahl@med.lu.se.
European Journal of Epidemiology
|April 25, 2025
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This study found no increased risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in individuals with tattoos. Tattoo exposure was not linked to cSCC in this population-based case-control study.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tattoo prevalence is high in Western countries (approx. 20%).
- Tattoo inks may contain potentially carcinogenic compounds.
- The association between tattoos and skin cancer risk remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between tattoo exposure and the risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Main Methods:
- Population-based case-control study in Sweden (2014-2017).
- Included 2857 cSCC cases and 3 matched controls per case.
- Assessed tattoo exposure and lifestyle factors via questionnaire, analyzed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 15.1% of cases and 17.6% of controls reported having at least one tattoo.
- No statistically significant increased risk of cSCC was observed in tattooed individuals (IRR 0.95; 95% CI 0.78-1.15).
- Tattoo exposure showed no association with cSCC risk in this study.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests no increased risk of cSCC associated with tattoo exposure.
- Further epidemiological research is recommended to establish a definitive consensus on the association.