Tattoos and Skin Cancer: A Cause for Concern? 

Tattoos are meant to last forever, but do they come with unintended health risks that stick around just as long? 

As tattoos become a mainstream form of art and identity, especially among young adults, researchers are digging deeper into their potential health impact, including increasing the risk of skin cancer. To better understand current research on tattoos and skin health, we spoke with Mariam El-Ashmawy, MD, PhD, an oncologist and skin cancer specialist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. She shares what you need to know about tattoos and skin cancer—and how to protect your skin for the long run. 

Why are researchers studying the link between tattoos and skin cancer? 

Researchers, especially in Europe, have begun to study the chemical content of tattoos and their potential health risks. It is thought that tattoos may expose the skin to potential carcinogens in the ink. The most common black ink used in tattoos may contain a substance called carbon black, which contains the carcinogen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Many of the pigments used in tattoo ink are also known to contain heavy metals. 

When a tattoo is given, ink is injected into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin. Once injected into the skin, the tattoo lasts forever, which creates a scenario where your skin is chronically exposed to ink- and scientists are just beginning to understand the risks associated with this exposure.  

While tattoo ink is meant to stay in the dermis, it can migrate. When it does migrate, it often accumulates in the lymph nodes. Once there, it can remain forever, even if a tattoo is removed. This is generally harmless, but for some, it has the potential to impact the immune system. Ink pigments can also break down under UV exposure or during laser removal, potentially releasing harmful byproducts into the body. 

Some people have allergic reactions to tattoo ink when they get a tattoo, leading to persistent skin inflammation. Chronic inflammation of the skin is a known contributor to skin cancer, and the younger you are when you get a tattoo, the longer your skin is exposed to potentially harmful chemicals. 

Is there a connection between tattoos and skin cancer? 

A few studies and case reports have raised questions about a possible link between tattoos and skin cancer. A 2025 Danish study of twins showed an association between tattoos larger than the size of the palm  and an increased risk of skin cancer. 

This opens important opportunities for more research into the long-term effects of tattoo ink. Scientists are particularly interested in how the ink may affect skin cells, the immune system, and overall skin health over time. 

It’s also important to keep perspective. There are other behaviors that we already know have a major impact on skin cancer risk. Excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and tobacco use are far more clearly linked to skin cancer and remain the most significant risk factors for skin cancer. 

The bottom line? Early research hints at a possible connection between tattoos and skin cancer, especially for large tattoos, but more research is needed to fully understand the risks. 

In the meantime, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, or already have one, you may want to consider the following: 

1. Some people may experience allergic reactions to certain tattoo dyes- especially red, yellow, green, and blue inks. If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies, it's worth discussing this with your tattoo artist and a dermatologist beforehand. 

2. Tattoos can make it harder to spot moles or skin changes, important signs that may indicate skin cancer. If you’re thinking about placing a tattoo over a mole or irregularity, have your skin checked by a dermatologist first. It’s also not recommended to tattoo over a melanoma scar, as it can make future monitoring more difficult. 

3. Be especially cautious with especially large or “blackout” tattoos that cover wide areas of skin. These may put you at higher risk and can make it harder to detect early warning signs of skin cancer, like changes in pigmentation, which are often the first clues something is wrong. 
4. Currently, there are no special screening guidelines for people with tattoos. You don’t need more frequent checkups than someone without tattoos, unless you’re at higher risk for skin cancer for other reasons. Your dermatologist will recommend a screening schedule based on your individual risk factors. 
5. Everyone- tattooed or not- should perform monthly self-checks to look for irregular moles or skin changes.Use the ABCDE rule during self-checks to spot suspicious moles: 
   1. Asymmetry – One half looks different from the other 
   2. Border – Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred 
   3. Color – Uneven color with shades of brown, black, red, or other hues 
   4. Diameter – Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser) 
   5. Evolution – Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding 
6. Tattooed skin needs sun protection, too. UV exposure can not only damage your skin but also cause tattoos to fade over time. Use sunscreen daily, and consider formulas made specifically for tattoos to help preserve color and detail.