Study Finds Mixed Melanoma Risk Patterns Linked to Tattoos

Dr. Shravani Dali

Study Finds Mixed Melanoma Risk Patterns Linked to Tattoos

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali Published On 2025-11-27T20:30:04+05:30 | Updated On 27 Nov 2025 8:30 PM IST

According to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute by Rachel D. McCarty, Britton Trabert, Lindsay J. Collin, Morgan M. Millar, David Kriebel, Laurie Grieshober, Mollie E. Barnard, Jenna Sawatzki, Marjorie Carter, Valerie Yoder, Jeffrey A. Gilreath, Douglas Grossman, John Hyngstrom, Paul J. Shami, and Jennifer A. Doherty, tattooing has shown a complex association with melanoma risk. The authors observed that adults with a single tattoo session had a slightly higher risk of melanoma, particularly early-stage cases, while those with multiple tattoo sessions or larger tattoos had a lower incidence of the disease. These results challenge the common assumption that tattoo ink exposure directly increases melanoma risk and suggest the relationship may be influenced by behavioral or biological factors.

The researchers conducted a population-based case-control study in Utah, analyzing melanoma cases and matched controls to explore how tattoo exposure related to melanoma development. They adjusted their models for demographic, behavioral, and clinical variables to ensure balanced comparison. While individuals who had ever received tattoos did not show a strong overall association with melanoma, those with extensive tattoo exposure—such as multiple tattoo sessions—appeared to have lower melanoma rates. Interestingly, people who had their first tattoo before the age of twenty also demonstrated lower invasive melanoma risk compared with individuals who never had tattoos. The authors suggest that differences in sun-protective behavior, immune response, and pigment barriers may partially explain the contrasting patterns seen across exposure levels.

What this really means is that the link between tattoos and melanoma risk is not straightforward. A single tattoo may coincide with a small elevation in risk, whereas frequent tattooing could indicate lifestyle or biological factors that reduce susceptibility. The study’s authors caution that tattoos should not be interpreted as protective against melanoma, since confounding elements like skin type, sun exposure habits, or family history may strongly influence these results. They recommend further research to clarify these associations through larger, more diverse cohorts and better control for confounders. Published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, this study adds an important perspective to ongoing discussions about environmental and lifestyle factors influencing melanoma risk.

Keywords:

Tattooing, Melanoma risk, In situ melanoma, Invasive melanoma, Case-control study, Tattoo exposure, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Rachel D. McCarty, Sun exposure behavior, Skin cancer

Reference:

McCarty, R. D., Trabert, B., Collin, L. J., Millar, M. M., Kriebel, D., Grieshober, L., Barnard, M. E., Sawatzki, J., Carter, M., Yoder, V., Gilreath, J. A., Grossman, D., Hyngstrom, J., Shami, P. J., & Doherty, J. A. (2025). Tattooing and risk of melanoma: A population-based case–control study in Utah. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Advance online publication. doi:10.1093/jnci/djaf235

attooingMelanoma riskIn situ melanomaInvasive melanomaCase-control studyTattoo exposureJournal of the National Cancer InstituteSun exposure behaviorSkin cancer

Source : Oxford Academic

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.