Lymphoma is actually a cancer that starts in the cells that are meant to fight infections, which are located primarily in the lymph nodes and bone barrow, according to WebMD. “When you have lymphoma, lymphocytes change and grow out of control,” it explains.
There are actually two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which involve different types of lymphocyte cells. However, here are 13 risk factors for lymphoma in general…
Weakened Immunity
The Canadian Cancer Society says having a compromised immune system can increase your risk for NHL. There are different ways this can happen; you may have a weakened immune system from birth, which is called congenital immune system damage, or it could develop over your lifetime, which is called acquired immune system damage.
However, “no matter when your immune system is damaged, it doesn’t change your risk for developing NHL,” it adds. Factors that can damage your immune system include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), autoimmune disorders, and certain infections (such as hepatitis B and C).