Predominantly, risk factors are aspects or factors that put a person at a higher risk of developing a disease than others. Here, we’ll not only discuss the risk factors, but also some preventive measures to reduce the chances of developing lymphoma. So, let’s get started and take a look at the risk factors and tips to help prevent lymphoma.

Risk Factors

Age: Getting old does put a person at risk of lymphoma. However, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is common in people between the ages of 15 to 30 years of age. Also, people over the age of 55, too, are at an increased risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. On the other hand, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is most common in people over the age of 60. But, there’s no denying the fact that there have been reported cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in younger adults, too.

Sex: As for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the risk is more prevalent in men as opposed to women. The risk of NHL is also higher in men. However, there are a few forms of NHL, which are more prevalent in women. The exact cause of this isn’t known.

History: Anybody who has a family history of lymphoma, be it HL or NHL, is certainly more prone to developing it.

Epstein-Barr infection: It has been found that anyone who had Epstein-Barr infection in the past, is more likely to develop HL as compared to the others.

Immune system: People with a weak immune system are more susceptible to developing HL. Similarly, anyone who has had an immune system deficiency in the past is more likely to develop NHL.

Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to a few chemicals like benzene or even pesticides puts one at risk of NHL.

History of radiation therapy: A history of radiation therapy or exposure to it puts a person at risk of NHL.

History of chemotherapy: If a person has a history of chemotherapy, they face a risk of developing NHL.

Infection: Having infections, such as HHV8, HTLV-1, or HIV, puts one at risk of developing NHL.

Prevention tips
Though not much can be done to undo the risk factors, there are a few preventive measures that can be taken to keep lymphoma at bay.

• Keeping away from the radiation as much as possible
• Eating a healthy balanced diet and maintaining an optimum body weight
• Some women develop lymphoma in the scar tissue, which is present around the breast implants. Thus, one should carefully measure the decision of getting an implant.

• Avoiding activities that would increase the chances of getting hepatitis C and AIDS, as both of these infections have a deteriorating effect on the immune system. One should avoid unprotected sex.