About This Resource
Author: Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program
Revised: June 2025
PEM#: PEMWHRNCC00015
What you will find in this handout:
When you have radiation treatment tiny marks are placed on your body. These marks help to line up your body in the same spot for every treatment. To remove your tattoo(s), a special laser is used to break up the ink in your skin. Then, your immune system (cells that protect your body) helps to clear the ink out of your body.
There are professionals in the Waterloo Region who are trained to remove tattoos. Some businesses offer free tattoo removal for patients who have finished treatment. It might take more than 1 laser treatment to get rid of your tattoo(s).
Radiation treatment tattoos can be taken off your body after you are done ALL radiation treatments. You must to talk to your Radiation Oncologist (cancer doctor) before you get your tattoos taken off. Some people might need more radiation treatment in the future. In this case, your radiation therapy team would need to use your radiation tattoos again.
There might be some mild pain where the laser treats your tattoo. Your skin might become red, hot, or you might get a rash around the laser treatment area. Let your family doctor know if you have side effects from the laser that do not go away (e.g. rash, redness, pain).
Talk to your Radiation Oncologist (cancer doctor) before you get your tattoos removed. The radiation team may need to use your tattoo marks again in the future.
The following list of businesses and services is provided as an informational resource and is not exhaustive. The hospital does not endorse, recommend or guarantee the quality, safety, or effectiveness of any listed service, product or provider. The hospital assumes no liability for any injuries, financial loss, or other damages resulting from the use of these services. Patients are encouraged to exercise due diligence, conduct their own research, and consult their healthcare provider before making any decisions. Any services or products chosen from this list are used at the patient’s sole discretion and risk. By using this resource, you acknowledge that the hospital bears no responsibility or liability for any experiences or outcomes associated with these businesses or services.
Use this resource for your information only. It does not replace medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare professionals.
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cancerwaterloowellington.ca