Cancer charity turns radiation marks into tattoo art

A small dot of ink placed during radiation therapy may be vital for treatment – but for many cancer survivors, it’s also a daily reminder of a brutal chapter.

Now, a new initiative by Fuck Cancer and Mischief @ No Fixed Address is helping survivors turn those marks into something new.

“Mark of Life” connects survivors with over 100 tattoo artists who are donating their time to design custom tattoos that incorporate radiation therapy markers.

The service is free to eligible survivors who are at least a year into remission with medical clearance.

“It was scary as hell,” says Abbe, a survivor who received the first tattoo in the program. “Cancer gives you scars, trauma, fear. My radiation marks were a constant reminder of that. But I started to think about cancer as a teacher… That’s what I had my tattoo reflect.”

The campaign draws inspiration from Fuck Cancer’s earlier “Personal Ink” initiative, which helped survivors cover mastectomy scars.

It’s part of a broader movement toward post-treatment storytelling and identity reclamation – campaigns that aim not only to raise awareness, but to help people reshape their relationship with survival.

The numbers back it up. A study in The Breast Journal found that 70% of women who received radiotherapy tattoos experienced negative emotions related to them.

Nearly 80% said they would have preferred a treatment that didn’t require permanent marks, even if it meant extra travel.

“This initiative allows people with radiation markers the chance to turn their daily reminder of cancer into something of beauty and hope,” said Heather Kun, CEO of Fuck Cancer. “Like with our Personal Ink program, cancer doesn’t have to leave the last mark.”

The film for the campaign, directed by Dan DiFelice and Jackie Bao via Biscuit Filmworks, adds emotional depth to the rollout, which is currently happening nationwide.

Survivors can sign up at TheMarkOfLife.com, and supporters can also sponsor tattoos for those who may not be able to afford one otherwise.

Cause Related