Decades ago, tattoos were often considered the domain of sailors who loved images of anchors on their biceps.

Granted, there was some truth to that. In the age of Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964, tattoos were frequently associated with soldiers, sailors and roughnecks.

According to one estimate, slightly more than one in 10 Baby Boomers had a tattoo. Today, a third of Americans boast body art.

And for some people, that comes with a health risk.

A recent study by Swedish researchers suggests that tattoos are associated with a 29% higher risk of melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer. That result adjusts for sun exposure, skin type and sunburn history.

Researchers note the risk of melanoma from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation still far outpaces tattoos as a risk factor for skin cancer. That, however, doesn’t make the news any less concerning.

Investigators were surprised that only 30% of the melanomas tracked occurred at the site of the tattoo. They say this indicates that the ingredients in ink have a systemic effect on the recipient, probably via the immune system.

The black ink in tattoos can contain high levels of a type of hydrocarbon that is a known carcinogen. Color inks aren’t off the hook, either. They often contain a type of pigment that breaks down into another carcinogen when exposed to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Heavy metals are also found in many inks.

The risk of melanoma increases the longer someone has had a tattoo.

Experts suggest sticking with a professional when getting body art. They’re less likely to use unregulated inks.

You don’t want the mark a tattoo leaves to be a spot of melanoma.