Risk factors of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?  

Risk factors for developing lymphoma are unknown. However, doctors believe immune system problems as well as age may increase a person's chance of developing this disease. Non-Hodgkin's is most commonly found in people in their 60s and 70s. However, the disease can affect anyone. People with immune disorders, including HIV and AIDS, are more likely to develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. People who have received an organ transplant have a high risk of developing non-Hodgkin's. This is because they must take drugs that suppress the immune system.

Answered by cuteguy , an ibibo Master, at 7:46 PM on November 05, 2007

Researchers have found several factors that may affect a person's chance of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There are many types of lymphoma, and some of these factors have been linked only to certain types. Age Getting older is a strong risk factor for this disease, with most cases occurring in people in their 60s or older. Exposure to Certain Chemicals Some studies have suggested that chemicals such as benzene and certain herbicides and insecticides (weed- and insect-killing substances) may be linked with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Research to clarify these possible links is still in progress. Some chemotherapy drugs used to treat other cancers can increase the risk of developing leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma many years later. For example, patients who have been treated for Hodgkin disease have an increased risk of later developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But it's not totally clear if this is related to the disease itself or if it may be an effect of the treatment. Radiation Exposure Studies of survivors of atomic bombs and nuclear reactor accidents have shown they have an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including leukemia, thyroid cancer, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some long-term infections may increase the risk of lymphoma by forcing a person's immune system to be on constant alert. As more lymphocytes are made to fight the infection, there is a greater chance that genetic mistakes can occur, which might eventually lead to lymphoma. Several studies have suggested that being overweight or obese may increase your risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some studies have also suggested that a diet high in vegetables may lower risk, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Answered by sanya , an ibibo Master, at 6:51 PM on November 05, 2007

In most cases, people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma don't have any obvious risk factors, and many people who have risk factors for the disease never develop it. Some factors that may contribute to your risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include: * Age. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. It's most common in people in their 60s. * Immunosuppression. If you've had an organ transplant, you're more susceptible because immunosuppressive therapy has impaired your immune mechanisms. * Infection. A number of infections appear to increase the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Having AIDS, in which your immune system is progressively weakened, also places you at higher risk. In Africa, infection with the parasite that causes malaria or the Epstein-Barr virus appears to raise the risk of a particular type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, called Burkitt's lymphoma. An infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which is known to cause ulcers, can cause an immune system response that raises your risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly in the stomach. * Chemicals. Certain chemicals, such as those used to kill insects and weeds, may increase your risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Previous studies had suggested that long-term use of dark-colored hair dyes might be linked to an increased risk of the disease, but a review in the May 25, 2005, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found only a weak association between hair-dye use and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Since the evidence is inconclusive, more research is needed. However, the chemicals used in hair dyes have changed since the 1980s, so any possible risk that may have existed then may be even smaller now.

Answered by Romi , an ibibo Master, at 5:35 PM on November 05, 2007