A recent study published by The Lancet suggests a possible association between exposure to tattoo ink and an increased risk of malignant lymphoma, with tattooed individuals having a 21% higher risk of developing lymphoma. The study found that tattooed individuals have a higher risk of developing skin cancer and lymphoma compared to those without tattoos. The researchers noted that when tattoo ink is injected into the skin, ink particles can migrate and accumulate within lymph nodes, potentially affecting the immune system and playing a role in cancer development. Tattoo inks contain various compounds, including metals, organic pigments, primary aromatic amines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which raise concerns about their safety and potential carcinogenic properties. Despite the findings, the researchers cannot say how much the cancer risk is increased if someone has a tattoo, and it is uncertain whether many small tattoos could also increase the risk of cancer; research has not yet confirmed or denied this.