Tattooing and risk of melanoma: a population-based case-control study in Utah.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tattooing can deliver carcinogens directly into the skin and cause immunologic responses, yet the relationship between tattooing and melanoma risk is unknown.

Methods

In a population-based case-control study with 1,167 melanoma cases (566 in situ; 601 invasive) and 5,835 frequency-matched controls, we examined tattooing and melanoma risk using multivariable logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

While ever receiving a tattoo was not strongly associated with melanoma risk, heavier tattooing exposure was associated with decreased risk. Overall melanoma risk was decreased among individuals who had received four or more tattoo sessions (OR 0.44 [95% CI 0.27-0.67]) and individuals who had three or more larg

SUBMITTER: McCarty RD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12404683 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature