A List of Risk Factors for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The basic underlying cause for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma currently is not known. What is known is that the occurrence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma within the general public has increased. The good news is that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma today is highly treatable. As with most cancers, the probability of a favorable outcome increases when treatment is applied during the early stage of the disease. Our there known risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma? Scientists are starting to uncover some risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but even these seem to be present in a small portion of those who develop the disease.

Simply put, the cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is one of today’s medical mysteries. As with most cancers, medical intervention takes place when the individual discovers they have cancer. The best solution to the eradication of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and all cancers for that matter, is in prevention. We know today that a healthy lifestyle consisting of consuming less meat and plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with exercise, seems to the best prevention for most cancers.

In today’s modern society we are bombarded with cancer causing agents. What specific agents cause non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not known. The following risk factors may increase your chances of having the disease. However, most people with these risk factors do not ever have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and many people who have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma do not have any of these risk factors.

• Sex. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma frequency is greater among males.
• Age. The probability of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma increases as you get older.
• Impaired immune system. NHL is most common among those who have an impaired immune system, an autoimmune disease, or HIV or AIDS. It also occurs among those who take immunosuppressant medications. These medications are usually taken after organ transplantation.
• Viral infection. Epstein-Barr virus, increases the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Bacterial infection. The probability of developing lymphoma involving the stomach increases if you have had an infection with the stomach bacteria Helicobacter pylori.
• Environmental exposure. Exposure to agricultural pesticides or fertilizers, solvents and other chemicals, rubber processing, asbestos, and arsenic increases the risk of developing NHL.

These are the known risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The most likely scenario from the research on the cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma will be that it will have many causative agents or factors.