Calls are growing for the Government to fund laser removal services to get rid of cancer radiation tattoos.
The permanent tattoos, often small black dots, are applied to align radiation equipment and ensure precise targeting of beams during treatment.
They can be required for prostate, head and neck, lung, and breast cancers.
Simone Barclay had a double mastectomy and has been breast cancer-free for five years, but a radiation tattoo on her chest has now stretched and she’s getting it removed.
It’s not covered by her health insurance.
“It’s sort of gone from black to green, and it has gotten bigger,” she said. “It definitely no longer just looks like a freckle.”
She’s not alone.
Breast Cancer Foundation lead nurse Natalie James told 1News the non-profit were aware of cases where people had undergone radiation “and in the years after that breast cancer treatment will talk about getting that tattoo removed”.
Think Again Laser Clinic chief executive Mike Anderson said while there are existing government-funded tattoo removal procedures, it “seems like a no-brainer that it could be something to fold into funding”.
His clinic is one of several across New Zealand that offers radiation tattoo removals to cancer patients for free.
“We know that the cancer treatment journey is both an incredibly stressful and physically exhausting time for thousands of Kiwis each year,” he said.
In a statement, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti said he’s “currently seeking advice from Health NZ on the removal of radiation therapy tattoos within the public health system.”
“I am advised, however, that as treatment technology and techniques develop over time, the reliance and need for radiation therapy tattoos may reduce,” he said.
“For example, I understand it is currently standard in some hospitals to offer UV tattoos which are only visible in UV light.”
Anderson said laser removal treatments are expensive.
“The way tattoo removal works, we work in layers, so that does mean you need to come back multiple times,” he said.
“Most clinics have a starting price of $90 and if you return up to 10 times, as a safe estimate, it could be towards $1000.”