New charitable initiative launches to remove tattoos applied during cancer treatment

A new charitable initiative has launched ahead of Breast Cancer Awareness Month to help Kiwis in remission remove permanent tattoos applied by radiologists during cancer treatment.

Industry experts behind the programme are also calling for new national standards for applying radiation tattoos to make the removal process easier.

Radiation tattoos are used in cancer treatment as reference points on the patient's body to help align the equipment and ensure precise targeting of the radiation beams during each session. Forms of the disease that can require this type of tattooing include; breast cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancer and lung cancer.

Latest Ministry of Health data shows that over 10,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with one of these cancers every year.^[1]

Experts say the tattoos used in radiation-based treatment are often an unwelcome reminder of a challenging time for the patient and can cost thousands of dollars to remove. The new charitable initiative will remove the tattoos free of charge using a laser to break up the ink into microscopic particles where it can be excreted naturally by the body.

Mike Anderson, CEO of Think Again Laser Clinic NZ and founder of the new charitable programme, says the removal of tattoos applied during cancer treatment is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not usually publicly funded or covered by health insurance.

He says those who have been through radiation therapy for cancer can often face financial hardship and cannot afford the cost of tattoo removal.

“We know that the cancer treatment journey is both an incredibly stressful and physically exhausting time for thousands of Kiwis each year.

“For many, these tattoos symbolise an emotionally challenging time in their lives that they would rather put behind them.

“The patients we see most frequently requesting radiation tattoo removal are those with breast cancer - which is consistent with the nation having one of the world’s highest rates of this form of the disease.

“Most of the patients we have seen are between 30 to 50 years old and may have decades left to live - and they don't want to see a constant reminder every time they look in the mirror.

“This new programme is a tangible step we can take to show our support for this community - including those who are disproportionately affected by cancer such as Maori and Pasifika.

“We want to hear from them when they complete their radiation treatment process either because they enter remission or have moved on to a second-line treatment such as one of the recently funded medicines that are now available.

“At this stage, we can bring them in to have their radiation tattoos removed by our technicians,” he says.

Data shows the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is approximately 87%, up from 81% two decades ago. These improvements are attributed to better early detection through screening programmes, advances in treatments, and improved healthcare access. Disparities still exist, particularly among Maori and Pasifika women, whose survival rates remain lower than other ethnicities.

Anderson says the colour and depth of the tattoo can vary according to the facility where they are applied.
He says a range of factors can make ink harder to remove and while radiation tattoos are small, often they are deeper having been applied with a single needle or use lighter colours - which can increase the number of laser removal treatments needed from five to ten.

“We have seen a range of ink colours and application processes used and while understandably the priority is on ensuring effective treatment, the introduction of national standards for the use of tattoos in cancer treatment would make the removal process significantly easier for patients and professionals.

“There is a misconception that smaller or coloured tattoos are easier to remove, which is not the case.

“Ideally what we would like to see as part of a national standard is the use of a regulated or organic dark ink rather than lighter colours such as pink which are used sometimes,” he says.

Breast cancer survivor, Simone Barclay, who is currently receiving treatment for the removal of her radiation tattoos that were applied in 2017 says the size of the tattoos has changed over time.

“The tattoos looked like I had a giant blackhead or as though I'd spilled some of my lunch on me. I don't know how noticeable it would've been to other people, but certainly, to my eye, I felt very self-conscious about it. So it was either hide it the whole time or get it dealt with.

“They are certainly a reminder of the actual treatment. I had a double mastectomy, so there's no getting away from scars. But in terms of the radiation treatment, they are a constant visual reminder and I will be relieved to have them gone, I guess it's a little bit like drawing a line under it really and putting it behind you.

Anderson says those wanting to take up the offer of a free removal treatment should visit the Auckland clinic website.