This hobby can make you a patient of HIV and blood cancer

Ananya Shroff
3 Min Read


Many people are fond of getting tattoos but do you know that this dirty hobby of yours can become a threat to your life? Doctors have warned that the ink and needle used for tattooing can increase the risk of diseases like hepatitis B, C, HIV and even liver and blood cancer.

There is a lot of craze among the youth about tattoos, especially girls are ahead in this matter. Earlier people used to get tattoos on their hands but now people are getting tattoos done at various places. Experts believe that there is a high risk of getting infections like hepatitis B, C or even HIV due to the use of needles in this.

Risk of lymphoma

Researchers at Lund University in Sweden (Reference) found that people with tattoos have an increased risk of lymphoma. The risk of lymphoma was highest among people who had their first tattoo less than two years before getting a tattoo. The risks associated with tattoos appear to be highest for large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.

If these 5 symptoms start appearing in the body then it could be cancer

How do tattoos increase the risk of cancer?

This is because tattoo ink can contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – a known carcinogen – when injected into the skin. A large portion of the ink travels from the skin to the lymph nodes where it accumulates.

These dangerous chemicals are present in the ink

These dangerous chemicals are present in the ink

Australia's Department of Health also surveyed the composition of tattoo inks and found discrepancies between labeling and ingredients. PAHs were found in 20 percent of the samples tested and in 83 percent of black inks. Other dangerous ingredients found in tattoo inks include heavy metals such as mercury, barium, copper, amines, and various colorants.

risk of blood cancer

risk of blood cancer

This ink can be absorbed through the outer layer of skin (dermis) into the body's lymphatic system and may increase the risk of certain other cancers of the liver, urinary tract, as well as blood cancers such as lymphoma and leukemia.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.


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