A workshop to improve radiotherapy tattoo colours
Attend an in-person workshop in London to help researchers identify the most appropriate colours for radiotherapy tattoos.
What's the project about?
Some people undergoing breast cancer treatment will receive radiotherapy. Radiographers give people small marks on their skin to help align the treatment so people receive the radiotherapy in the right area. These are called radiotherapy tattoos.
The tattoos are currently only available in dark blue or black. Research the tattoos can have a negative impact on people in the years following treatment for breast cancer. They can also cause reduced dignity for people with dark skin tones during radiotherapy, as they're not always very visible.
The manufacturers of radiotherapy tattoo inks want to increase their range of colours to include natural ink colours that may even fade over time.
Researchers from University College London Hospital are facilitating a workshop on 17 July in central London to understand how people feel about radiotherapy tattoos and the colours of the inks used.
Who's organising it?
Name of project lead: Sairanne Wickers
Job title: Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer
Organisation: University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Email address: sairanne.wickers@nhs.net
Who can take part?
You can take part if you’ve had a personal diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have received radiotherapy as part of your treatment. You do not have to have had radiotherapy tattoos.
You need to be able to travel to London for the workshop.
Why do you want me to be involved?
By taking part in the workshop, you can help researchers identify the best colours for radiotherapy tattoos. This could help people have a better experience of radiotherapy and support longer-term wellbeing.
What will you ask me to do?
The researchers would like to invite you to a workshop on Friday 17 July from 11am to 1pm. The workshop will be held in-person near King’s Cross at:
N1C Centre
Ground Floor
Plimsoll Building
Handyside Street
N1C 4BQ
At the workshop, you’ll discuss your experience of radiotherapy and radiotherapy tattoos, if you have them. You’ll look at different ink colours and identify the most appropriate ones for use. You won’t be asked to test the pigments on your own skin.
You’ll be reimbursed travel costs for the day in cash (please bring a receipt). You’ll also be given a gift bag to thank you for your time, including a £50 gift voucher for your choice of retailer.
How do I get involved?
Please complete the online expression of interest form. If there is a lot of interest, the researchers may not be able to invite everyone to attend.
If you have any questions, please contact Sairanne Wickers at sairanne.wickers@nhs.net.
When's the deadline?
Please sign up by 5 June 2026
Get involved
Sign up for the workshop and help researchers identify the best colours for radiotherapy tattoos, and improve the experience of people receiving radiotherapy.