Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Prevention

The cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is unknown. Mutations in DNA that occur after birth may be related to this cancer. These mutations can occur as a result of exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals. It may also occur with age or for no apparent reason. The cancer care specialists at the Saint Francis Cancer Center want to educate you on prevention and risk factors associated with this type of lymphoma.

There are no guidelines for preventing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. To reduce your risk, avoid exposure to chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and benzene. If you have celiac disease (gluten intolerance), maintain your gluten-free diet. This diet will minimize the stimulation of your immune system by exposure to gluten.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Risk Factors

Most people who develop non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have no known risk factors. Nonetheless, the following factors may increase your chance of developing this condition:

• Sex: In general, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in males than in women.
• Age: The most common types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually appear in people 60 to 70 years old.
• Race: Overall, the risk is slightly higher in Caucasians than in African Americans and Asian Americans.
• Chemical exposure: Overexposure to a number of industrial and agricultural chemicals (such as pesticides, herbicides and petrochemicals) has been frequently linked to an increased risk for lymphomas.
• Autoimmune disorders: Patients with a history of autoimmune diseases, including HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Crohn's disease and Sjogren’s syndrome, are at an increased risk for certain non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• History of chemotherapy or radiation therapy 
• Celiac disease (gluten enteropathy or gluten intolerance)
• Obesity

Learn More About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma