Causes and risk factors of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
What are the risk factors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Doctors do not know exactly what causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma. But some things may increase your risk of developing it. These are called risk factors.
It is important to remember that having these risk factors does not mean you will get lymphoma. Many people affected by lymphoma do not have any risk factors.
If you are worried about lymphoma and would like to talk to someone, we are here. You can:
- Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
- Chat to our specialists online.
Age
The main risk factor for cancer is older age. NHL can affect people at any age. But it is more common in people who are over 50 years old.
Infections
Some viruses or bacteria can increase the risk of developing certain types of NHL. These include the following:
- helicobacter pylori infection
- Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection
- hepatitis C virus (HCV)
- human T-lymphocytotrophic virus-1 (HTLV-1)
- Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV).
Most people who have had these infections will not develop lymphoma.
Lymphoma is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.
A weakened immune system
If your immune system is weak, you have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.
Conditions such as HIV can weaken the immune system. We have more information about lymphoma and HIV.
Drugs called immunosuppressants also weaken it. Some people need this type of drug after an organ transplant or to treat auto-immune disease.
Auto-immune disease
Auto-immune diseases develop when the immune system attacks healthy body tissue by mistake. Several auto-immune diseases can increase the risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These include:
- coeliac disease
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- rheumatoid arthritis
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- systemic sclerosis
- psoriasis.
Doctors do not fully understand why these diseases increase the risk of developing lymphoma. It may be because of the diseases themselves, or because of the treatments used to control them.
Having a close relative with non-Hodgkin lymphoma
People who have a parent, brother or sister with lymphoma have a higher risk of developing NHL. The reason for this is not known. It may be because there is a genetic change that runs in families. Or it could be because family members tend to have the same lifestyle.
This risk is still very small. Most people who have a close relative with lymphoma will not develop lymphoma.
Related pages
Breast implants
Breast implants are linked with a lymphoma called breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is a rare type of lymphoma. The risk of developing it is very small.
Chemicals at work
Chemicals used in certain types of jobs in the past have been linked to a higher risk of NHL. The way these chemicals are now used and handled aims to reduce health risks for people who work with them. These chemicals include:
- trichloroethylene – a chemical used to degrease metal, and in some textile making industries
- some types of pesticide used in farming.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our lymphoma information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Follows GA, Barrington SF, et al. Guideline for the first-line management of Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma — A British Society for Haematology guideline. Br J Haematol, 2022; 197, 558– 572. [accessed April 2024].
Fox CP, Chaganti S, McIlroy G, et al. The management of newly diagnosed large B-cell lymphoma: A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol. 2024; 204(4):1178–92. [accessed April 2024].
McKay P, Fielding P, et al. Guidelines for the investigation and management of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma. Br J Haematol, 2015; 172, 32-43. [accessed April 2024].
McNamara C, Montoto S, et al. The investigation and management of follicular lymphoma. Br J Haematol, 2020; 191, 363-381. [accessed April 2024].
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline [NG52]. Published: 20 July 2016. Last update Oct 2021. [accessed April 2024].
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