Lymphoma is cancer that develops in the immune system’s infection-fighting cells called the lymphocytes. There are two common types of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). NHL is more common than the Hodgkin lymphoma disease. Here are the top risk factors and tips to help prevent lymphoma that you should know about.

Risk factors and tips to help prevent Hodgkin lymphoma

• Age: Age is a very important risk factor that you should know about. It is identified that people between the ages of 15 and 40 and those above the age of 55 have higher chances of developing the condition. Prevention includes getting yourself tested early for the disease if you show any symptoms.
• Exposure to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): The EBV virus causes an infectious disease called mono. Mono or mononucleosis is also called glandular fever and this is a common infection faced by children in the United States. The condition leaves no glaring symptoms. It is said that about 20-25% of people diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma were also tested positive for the EBV virus. This could, hence be a risk factor and doctors claim that people with a history of mono are at 2-3 times more likely to develop lymphoma. The exact relation between these diseases is still being studied.

Eating the right food and leading a healthy lifestyle are the primary ways in which one can avoid developing Hodgkin lymphoma.

Risk factors and tips to help prevent Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

• Age: Age again is one of the risk factors. People aged 60 and older are at a higher risk of developing this disease. Preventive measures would include regular health checkups after you cross the 60 mark.
• Exposure to certain types of chemicals: The exposure to chemicals like benzene seems to increase your chance of developing NHL. Benzene is commonly used in the production of plastics, resins, adhesives, paints, and is also found in gasoline. If your work requires you to be in close contact with benzene, you should be wearing the right mask and gear for it.
• Radiation exposure: People who live near nuclear reactor plants, work in such plants, and those who have survived atomic bombs are all at a higher risk of developing NHL, and other types of tumors too. People working in nuclear plants must wear protective gear at all times and follow all the safety regulations.
• Weakened immune system: In this list of risk factors of lymphoma, a weak immune system is a definitive point. If you generally have a weak immune system or if your immune system is compromised because of immunosuppressant drugs or genetic syndromes, the risk factor for developing NHL is high. Consuming healthy and immune-boosting foods and being physically active helps combat the condition.

Knowing all these risk factors and tips to help prevent lymphoma will help you avoid the disease. Talk to your doctor if you think you are at a higher risk of developing the condition.