What are the risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)?

What are the risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL)?

• Being older, male, or Caucasian
• Having any of the following conditions:
  • An inherited immune system disorder
  • An autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Human T-lymphotrophic virus Type I or Epstein-Barr virus
  • Repeated bouts of Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes stomach ulcers
• Use of immunosuppressant drugs following an organ transplant
• High levels of exposure to certain pesticides has been found in some observational studies to slightly increase the risk of NHL in in agricultural workers. The risk from low level and/or periodic exposure to these substances is not certain.
• Exposure to radiation
• A diet containing high amounts of meat and fat
• Previous treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma