If you want a tattoo, lung cancer shouldn’t stop you from getting one. In fact, several members of MyLungCancerTeam have chosen tattoos related to their lung cancer journey.

“I am a warrior!” shared one member. “Two of my sons even gifted me a white ribbon tattoo with ‘Warrior’ written on one side of the ribbon.”

Another wrote, “Shortly after I was diagnosed, I got a tattoo of the word ‘Survivor’ on the inside of my forearm. It’s a reminder that I am a survivor, and I should always have that thought in my consciousness. I look at it frequently. It never fails to give me a jolt of pride.”

The popularity of tattoos has skyrocketed over the past decade. Today, about 30 percent of Americans have a tattoo, an increase of almost 10 percent in the last decade.

While lung cancer alone doesn’t prevent people from getting tattoos, there are some precautions you can take to make the process safer. Everyone should think carefully before making a permanent change like tattooing. If you have lung cancer, here’s what you should know before scheduling your appointment.

How Lung Cancer Affects the Immune System

Lung cancer is a serious illness that can significantly compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections. You may be especially vulnerable when undergoing cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. It’s best to wait until your body is stable enough to withstand the additional stress of getting a tattoo.

Cancer Treatments and Targeted Therapies

Radiation therapy for lung cancer can cause fragile skin that may not heal as well from the added stress of tattooing. If you have lymphedema (swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid) or surgical scars that are still on the mend, use caution before getting a tattoo.

In addition, some of the targeted therapies for lung cancer cause side effects that have an impact on the skin. For example, bevacizumab (Avastin) and ramucirumab (Cyramza) are angiogenesis (blood vessel growth) inhibitors sometimes prescribed for non-small cell lung cancer. Dry skin is a common side effect, and some people also experience issues with wound healing. Other targeted therapies, such as sotorasib (Lumakras) and adagrasib (Krazati), reduce white blood cell counts, which can affect how well your immune system fights infections.

Risks During and After Tattooing

Getting a tattoo involves using a needle to insert ink into the deeper layers of your skin. Infections can affect your entire body if contamination occurs during tattooing or afterward. In addition, some doctors believe that tattoos can make it harder to detect skin cancer. Even though it’s rare, tattoos can sometimes lower the image quality of MRIs and other tests, making it harder to get clear images where the tattoos are.

Infection and Toxicity

Reputable tattoo studios follow strict hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infections. However, complications, such as bacterial or viral infections, allergic reactions to tattoo ink, and skin irritation and scarring, are still possible. One possible cause of infection is when the water used to dilute tattoo pigments isn’t sterile. People with compromised immune systems from cancer or cancer treatment may be more vulnerable to these types of bad reactions.

Although tattooing is safer now than it was in the past, there’s still not much research on the potential health effects of tattoo ink and other chemicals involved in the process. Some research suggests they may increase the risk of certain cancers or other health issues.

The safety profile of tattooing inks isn’t guaranteed because tattoo inks aren’t as strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medical products are. Instead, they’re regulated as cosmetics under looser restrictions.

According to City of Hope, one study showed that about half of tattoos done in the U.S. contain chemicals that are known to increase cancer risk (carcinogens), including heavy metals. This is especially true for the dyes in black ink. There’s also evidence that tattoos have tiny nanoparticles that may leech into the blood vessels, causing nerve damage and toxic effects on the brain.

Finally, there have also been case reports of people with cancer experiencing swollen lymph nodes after tattooing. This effect can mimic the signs of cancer becoming worse even when it’s not.

When To Call Your Doctor

The skin is sensitive after getting a tattoo and needs special treatment. Your tattoo artist should instruct you on how to care for the affected area and what to expect as it heals. Although some discomfort is normal, always watch for signs of a more serious infection.

Discoloration, swelling, rashes, and bumps near the area could signal a bigger problem, like an infection or allergic reaction. If the area is warm or if you develop a fever, follow up with your health care provider. You can notify the tattoo artist when you have concerns, but be sure to call your doctor as well. Getting a doctor’s advice on whether you need treatment, such as antibiotics, is key to staying healthy when health issues occur.

Making the Right Choice for You

Choosing to modify your body with a tattoo is a personal decision. But when you have lung cancer, it’s a decision you should make with your health care team. Most medical professionals encourage giving your body enough time to heal from chemotherapy and radiation treatments first.

Whether you have cancer or not, finding a clean facility to get your tattoo and monitor your healing process carefully is important. Getting the green light from your doctor can help make sure that you’re not taking unnecessary risks before the time is right.

How To Find a Reputable Tattoo Artist

Take your time researching a tattoo artist with credentials and a good reputation. Ask about their licensing, experience, sanitation practices, ingredients, and equipment. If you feel comfortable sharing your health history, let them know that you have a compromised immune system and a history of cancer. You can review your state’s public health licensing requirements to learn more about the qualifications for tattoo artists and tattoo parlors in your area.

Weigh Your Decision Carefully

People with lung cancer face emotional and psychological challenges associated with their diagnosis. Getting a tattoo is a way to express yourself, assert control over your body, or mark significant milestones in your oncology journey. However, balancing your motivations for getting a tattoo against the health risks is essential. If a tattoo isn’t a good option for you right now, perhaps a piece of jewelry or other token to signify your story would be a better choice.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLungCancerTeam is the social network for people with lung cancer and their loved ones. On MyLungCancerTeam, more than 12,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lung cancer.

Have you considered body art? If you’ve gotten a tattoo after being diagnosed with lung cancer, what was your experience like? Share your suggestions in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.