Who is at risk lymphoma

These are:. Autoimmune conditions are illnesses that develop when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. Most people with autoimmune conditions do not develop lymphoma.

However, some autoimmune conditions are linked to a higher chance of developing certain types of lymphoma. This might be because autoimmune conditions can cause long-term activation of the immune system. Another possible reason is that people with autoimmune conditions are likely to be on medicines that dampen their immune system.

Both of these factors can contribute to the development of lymphoma. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Scientists are studying eczema to work out whether or not it is an autoimmune condition. Many studies have looked at other possible causes of lymphoma. Sometimes one or two studies suggest a possible link, but others find something different. Because most types of lymphoma are rare, it can be difficult to work out whether or not a factor increases your chance of developing it or not.

Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat other types of cancer, including other blood cancers, might increase your chance of developing lymphoma in the future.

Exposure to radiation, including radiotherapy for other cancers, can also increase your risk of developing lymphoma. Having a body mass index of over 30 obesity increases your risk of developing many types of cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma , non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia CLL.

Keeping a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of many health problems.

Cancer Research UK has more information on reducing your risk of developing cancers by following a healthy lifestyle. Being around high levels of industrial chemicals, solvents, weedkillers and insecticides are possible risk factors for developing lymphoma. Hair dyes might also be a risk factor, although modern hair dyes seem to be safer than those used in the past pres.

Most people who work in these occupations do not develop lymphoma. If you would like further information or would like to talk about any aspect of your lymphoma, please contact us. Cancer Research UK has information on causes of cancer, including how lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of some cancers.

What causes lymphoma? Most people who develop lymphoma have none of these risk factors and the cause is unknown. Back to top Causes and risk factors In medical terms, a cause is something that leads to an illness. For example, there is an association between eczema and T-cell skin lymphoma. In fact, eczema and skin lymphoma often look very similar. The association might simply be that T-cell skin lymphoma is sometimes misdiagnosed as eczema at first.

Causes of lymphoma In most cases, there is no known cause for lymphoma. However, for a few types of lymphoma, scientists have identified a cause: Most cases of gastric MALT lymphoma are caused by a common bacterial infection called Helicobacter pylori.

Usually, Helicobacter pylori causes stomach ulcers and indigestion. It is easily treated. Most people with Helicobacter pylori infection do not get lymphoma, but almost all people who get gastric MALT lymphoma have Helicobacter pylori infection. Treating the infection often cures the lymphoma.

Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do develop cancer. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and Signs. It explains what body changes or medical problems Hodgkin lymphoma can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide. People between the ages of 15 and 40 and people older than 55 are more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma.

In general, men are slightly more likely to develop Hodgkin lymphoma than women, although the nodular sclerosis subtype is more common in women see the Introduction. A risk factor is anything that may increase your chance of having a disease. Risk factors for a certain type of cancer might include smoking, diet, family history, or many other things.

But risk factors can make it more likely for a person to have cancer. Some people with 1 or more risk factors never get cancer. Other people may get cancer but have no risk factors. Some risk factors are very well known. But experts are studying risk factors for many types of cancer. Some risk factors, such as family history, may not be in your control.

Hodgkin lymphoma occurs most often in people in their 20 and 30s or after age Family history. If you have a brother or sister with Hodgkin lymphoma, you are at higher risk. Having an identical twin with Hodgkin lymphoma also raises your risk. Epstein-Barr virus EBV infection. EBV is the virus that causes mononucleosis, also called mono. People who have been infected with EBV may have a slightly higher risk of Hodgkin lymphoma.

But many people are infected with EBV, and few of them get Hodgkin lymphoma. HIV infection.