Imagine completing radiation cancer treatment and being left with a permanent reminder etched into your skin. For many patients, the small black tattoos used for radiation alignment serve as lasting symbols of a challenging journey they wish to move beyond. Across the globe, particularly in the UK and Canada, healthcare systems are recognizing that permanent tattoos used in radiation therapy may no longer align with modern, compassionate care standards.
These countries are taking active steps to offer dignified, patient-friendly alternatives that maintain clinical precision while reducing emotional and cultural impact.
A Shift to Patient-Centered Radiation Therapy
The UK’s National Health Service has been leading efforts to offer alternatives to permanent tattoos. Several NHS Trusts have piloted semi-permanent and invisible marking solutions in breast cancer treatment centers. These programs allow patients to opt out of permanent marks and instead receive UV-reactive or semi-permanent ink that does not linger after treatment. Clinics reported high patient satisfaction, less post-treatment regret, and maintained alignment accuracy.
Canada is also moving toward more compassionate care models. For example, CancerCare Manitoba has trialed the use of semi-permanent ink as an alternative to permanent tattoos for radiation therapy alignment.
This approach allows for clear visibility during treatment sessions while respecting patient preferences and cultural sensitivities. The initiative is part of a broader effort in Canadian oncology to enhance the emotional well-being of patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Global Momentum Toward Change
This global evolution in radiation therapy was at the forefront at ESTRO 2025, one of the largest international trade shows for oncology professionals.
Conversations at the Beekley Medical booth revealed a shared enthusiasm for solutions that eliminate the need for permanent tattoos without compromising clinical outcomes and that support shifting patient expectations and evolving best practices. As a result, InkRight® semi-permanent tattoos drew strong interest from attendees across Europe and beyond.
At ESTRO, Beth Kyle, Senior Product Manager for Radiation Therapy at Beekley Medical, connected with clinicians from across Europe who were eager to find alternatives to permanent tattoos. She observed, “There was unanimous agreement: standards of care are evolving, and it’s time for marking methods to embody the compassion that caregivers aim to provide.”
Providers were especially eager to explore InkRight’s ability to support regulatory shifts, patient comfort, and cultural sensitivity, all while streamlining workflow. ESTRO 2025 reinforced that the oncology field is ready to leave outdated practices behind in favor of thoughtful innovation.
A Compassionate Future for Oncology
Patients today are informed, empowered, and increasingly involved in decisions about their care. Many have personal, aesthetic, or religious reasons for declining a permanent tattoo. Healthcare systems that respect these preferences stand to improve patient satisfaction and trust.
InkRight is designed to meet this need. Its patient-centered approach avoids the permanence of traditional tattoos while providing long-lasting visibility throughout treatment. It performs consistently under imaging conditions, endures daily activities, and integrates smoothly into clinical routines with minimal training.
For individuals whose beliefs or values conflict with permanent skin markings, InkRight offers a respectful, innovative, and clinically sound alternative.
Ready to Lead with Innovation and Empathy?
If your clinic is ready to set a new standard in radiation therapy, InkRight is your opportunity to embrace a better, more compassionate approach to standard in patient care. Request a sample here or email info@beekley.com.
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Megan Sargalski
Marketing Communications Specialist
