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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
What Increases Your Risk
Some things can increase your chances of getting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). These things are called risk factors. But many people who get non-Hodgkin's lymphoma don't have any of these risk factors. And some people who have risk factors don't get the disease.
Risk factors include:Reference 2
- Being male. NHL is more common in men than in women.
- Age. The likelihood of getting NHL increases as you get older.
- Impaired immune system. NHL is most common among those who have an Reference impaired immune system Opens New Window, an autoimmune disease, or HIV or AIDS. It also occurs among those who take immunosuppressant medicines, such as medicines following an organ transplant.
- Viral infection. A Reference viral infection Opens New Window, such as Reference Epstein-Barr virus Opens New Window, increases the risk of developing NHL.
- Bacterial infection. Infection with Helicobacter pylori increases the risk of lymphoma involving the stomach.
- Environmental exposure. Exposure to agricultural pesticides or fertilizers, solvents, and other chemicals may increase the risk of developing NHL.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference October 22, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
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