Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects lymphocyte cells. There are two main types of lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Each of these types has their individual risk factors. So, understand the risk factors for lymphoma, we have to take a look at each one separately.

Risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Some of the major risk factors for the development of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are:

• Old age
  While a person of any age can develop the condition, the risk is higher for those who have crossed the age of 60 years.

• Sex
  Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can occur in both women as well as men. However, studies show that the risks are higher for the latter. The exact reason for this is unknown.

• Family record of cancer
  The risk of developing cancer can be genetic. So, if either of your parents has had cancer, the chances of you getting it are much higher. The same applies to having a sibling who had the disease.

• Being exposed to certain chemicals
  Being exposed to certain substances can increase your risk of getting cancer. This includes certain chemotherapy drugs, as well as certain herbicides and pesticides. Being exposed to radiation also puts you at risk.

• Auto-immune problems
  Suffering from an auto-immune disease such as celiac disease or lupus can put you at an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Risk factors for Hodgkin’s lymphoma
The main risk factors for developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma are the following:

• Family history of cancer
  While most people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma have absolutely no family history of the disease, research shows that having a sibling with Hodgkin’s lymphoma puts you at higher risk.

• Age factor
  Most people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma develop the condition in their 20’s or past the age of 50.

• Infection by Epstein-Barr virus
  Not everyone suffers from Epstein-Barr virus, but there are chances that Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients can get this infection.

• Race
  People who are from the United States, European countries, or Canada are at a higher risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma as compared to people from Asia. People from African countries also fall into a lower risk bracket.

• Sex
  Both men and women can get Hodgkin’s lymphoma disease, but men have a much higher chance of being affected by it.

• HIV infection
  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a sexually transmitted disease. People suffering from HIV have a much greater risk of getting Hodgkin’s lymphoma as compared to those who do not.

Knowing the risk factors can help you understand whether you are in danger of contracting a particular health condition. While there are certain risk factors for lymphoma that cannot be controlled, there are others that can be. The risk factors for lymphoma that cannot be controlled are family history and genes. This is why it is important to get the regular screening done if you fall under that bracket.