Research on therapeutic tattoos for cancer survivors in Dublin

A researcher at Dublin City University is studying how therapeutic tattoos can benefit cancer survivors. Adam Daly believes these tattoos can help people reclaim their identity after facing a life-changing illness. Therapeutic tattoos can serve different purposes. Some are medical, used to cover scars or damaged skin. Others are decorative, creating new art. Reconstructive tattoos aim to replace or enhance features that may have been lost, like eyebrows after chemotherapy. Examples of these include tattoos of a phoenix or a zipper over a scar. Daly points out that these tattoos can help survivors feel more confident in their bodies. However, he warns that if not done correctly, tattoos on scarred skin can cause harm. For many survivors, choosing to get a tattoo can feel empowering. It allows them to take control of their story, especially when they have faced situations that were beyond their control. Survivors can choose whether their tattoos are visible or hidden. Some may prefer to show their tattoos, like a cancer ribbon, to connect with others. Others might want their tattoos to remain private, symbolizing their strength. Daly's personal experiences, including his family's battles with cancer, inspired his research. He has also published interviews with tattoo artists who work with cancer survivors. He believes tattoos can be a powerful way to express and reshape one's identity after cancer.