Prevention & Risk Factors
Hodgkin’s disease is an uncommon disease, with 7,500 annual cases and only 0.7 percent of all malignancies in the country. At this time, the cause of Hodgkin’s disease is unknown and researchers are trying to solve this problem.
Hodgkin's Disease Prevention
Scientists know Hodgkin’s disease occurs most commonly in people between the ages of 15 and 35, and in individuals over the age of 55. However, they cannot explain why one person gets Hodgkin’s disease and another does not. Past infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is thought to contribute to some cases. Patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are more at risk than the general population.
Hodgkin's Disease Risk Factors
It is difficult to understand why one person develops Hodgkin’s disease and another does not. But research shows that certain risk factors increase the chance that a person will develop this disease.
Risk factors for Hodgkin’s disease include the following:
- Certain viruses: Having an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may increase the risk of developing Hodgkin’s disease.
- Weakened immune system: The risk of developing Hodgkin’s disease may be increased by having a weakened immune system (such as from an inherited condition or certain drugs used after an organ transplant).
- Gender: Hodgkin’s disease occurs slightly more often in males than in females.
- Age: Hodgkin’s disease is most common among teens and adults between the ages of 15 to 35, and adults 55 years and older.
- Family history: Family members, especially siblings of a person with Hodgkin’s disease or other lymphomas, may have an increased chance of developing this disease.
- Weakened immune system: People with HIV or AIDS have an increased risk of developing Hodgkin’s disease.
Learn More About Hodgkin's Disease
Hodgkin's Disease Tests and Diagnosis
Hodgkin's Disease Treatments
Learn More About Common Types of Cancer
To learn more about different types of cancer, please review the links below. For additional Saint Francis Cancer Center information or to schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist, please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.
Breast Cancer
Colon Cancer
Head and Neck Cancers
Hodgkin's Disease
Leukemia
Lung Cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Prostate Cancer
Skin Cancer
Pediatric Cancers