Tattoo Artists Reimagine Radiation Marks with Free Cover Ups through “The Mark of Life”, a new movement from Let’s Fuck Cancer

In a powerful initiative called "The Mark of Life," cancer survivors are transforming permanent radiation marks into meaningful symbols of resilience. Led by the organization “Let’s Fuck Cancer” in partnership with Mischief, the program offers survivors free custom tattoos from top artists, including the "CEO of Tattoo TikTok" Jake Karamol, globally renowned Scott Campbell, and celebrity artist Herschel Carrasco.

These artists collaborate with survivors to design a personal work of art that reclaims their bodies and their stories. Abbe, a survivor who received the first Mark of Life tattoo, shared the emotional impact. “It was scary as hell said Abbe. Cancer takes a lot out of you. My radiation marks were a constant reminder of that. But I started to think about cancer as a teacher. Every day became precious. That's what I had my tattoo reflect. These are the reminders that belong on your body."

This movement offers a profound opportunity for survivors to replace a painful past with a tribute to strength and a new beginning.
The Mark of Life," a new movement from Fuck Cancer, is transforming permanent radiation tattoo dots on cancer survivors into symbols of hope and resilience. Top tattoo artists are offering free tattoos during National Cancer Survivor Month in June to turn these marks into art. A study in The Breast Journal found that 70% of women with radiation tattoos reported negative feelings about them. Learn more about "The Mark of Life" on the Fuck Cancer website.

Reclaiming the Last Mark

Radiation therapy, which involves administering high doses of intense energy to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, is a common form of cancer treatment. It is estimated that around 50 to 60% of patients receive some form of radiation therapy and it often requires tattoo-like ink marks to ensure accuracy during treatment. But those small dots can leave an emotional impact long after treatment ends. A study in The Breast Journal found that approximately 70% of women who received breast cancer radiotherapy tattoos reported negative feelings about them. It also revealed that 78% of patients would prefer a treatment without permanent marks, even if it meant traveling further for care. The Mark of Life initiative reclaims that experience, giving survivors a way to rewrite their stories and redefine what those marks mean. "Fuck Cancer is thrilled to partner with Mischief to present the Mark of Life,“ said Heather Kun, MS, PhD, CEO of Fuck Cancer. This initiative allows people with radiation markers the chance to turn their daily reminder of cancer into something of beauty and hope. Like with our Personal Ink program, cancer doesn't have to leave the last mark. We're beyond grateful to the artists who have so generously donated their time and talent to make this possible.

A Collaboration Rooted in Purpose

The idea for The Mark of Life began at Mischief. "Two years ago, my friend and colleague was devastated by his aunt's passing," said Vanessa de Beaumont, Associate Creative Director at Mischief. "She had received radiation marks during treatment, and as we heard stories from others with a similar experience, the project began to take shape. By the end of that afternoon, “The Mark of Life” was a dozen-page deck and it's only grown from there. Everyone involved has their own relationship with cancer, which makes this project so special."

Join the Initiative

The Mark of Life initiative is currently rolling out nationwide, with participating tattoo artists opening spots for survivors who wish to transform their radiation marks. The campaign also welcomes donors to sponsor tattoos for survivors in need.

For more information, to find a participating artist, or to donate to help fund a Mark of Life tattoo visit www.themarkoflife.com

About Fuck Cancer

Fuck Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing health equity through early detection and prevention programs, and by providing resources to navigate, manage, and cope with cancer. Fuck Cancer arms people with the resources they need to navigate their cancer journeys confidently. For more information, please visit www.letsfcancer.com.

About Mischief

Mischief creates work that makes a stir, because the riskiest thing a brand can do is be ignorable.