Unfortunately, there is no decisive answer on how to prevent lymphoma. The main reason for this is that we do not have complete information about the exact causes of lymphoma.
However, understanding lymphoma risk factors can play a significant role in reducing the chances of developing lymphoma. In addition, based on this information, high-risk individuals can make informed decisions regarding their healthcare and lifestyle.
What are the Common Lymphoma Risk Factors?
Gaining a better understanding of lymphoma risk factors goes a long way in getting relevant answers to questions such as 'how to reduce risk of lymphoma.' Also, these risk factors can be categorized into Hodgkin's lymphoma risk factors and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk factors, depending on the type of lymphoma.
Here are some common lymphoma cancer risk factors that can help in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Age
Lymphoma age risk is an aspect that cannot be ignored easily. While non-Hodgkin lymphoma affects people between the ages of 60 and 80, Hodgkin lymphoma affects people over the age of 65 and people between the ages of 20 and 30.
Having an impaired immune system
Another known lymphoma risk factor is having an impaired immune system. The human immune system is designed to fight against all kinds of infections, and any disruption in this protective layer can increase the risk of developing cancer. A weakened immune system can result from autoimmune diseases, HIV infection, organ transplants, or cancer treatments.
Developing certain infections
Certain infections may also serve as an important lymphoma risk factor. While some of these infections can hamper an individual's immune system, others can damage the DNA of normal cells.
Some infections that are associated with the risk of developing lymphoma are Epstein-Barr virus, Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Helicobacter pylori.
However, it is important to note that not all patients with these infections get lymphoma; it just increases their chances of developing it.
Family History
Lymphoma genetic risk is another aspect to be noted when it comes to lymphoma causes and risk factors. An individual with a close relative, such as siblings or parents, is in a higher risk bracket of developing lymphoma.
Though the direct relationship between genetics and lymphoma has not been properly understood, experts believe that genetic mutations do fall under common lymphoma risk factors.
For example, the gene MYC undergoes mutation in Burkitt lymphoma, while the BCL-2 gene undergoes mutation in follicular lymphoma.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases refer to conditions where the human immune system gets confused and attacks only the body's healthy tissues and cells. Though the association between autoimmune diseases and the risk of developing lymphoma is not completely understood, there are a few explanations.
As per experts, since autoimmune diseases weaken an individual's immune system through chronic inflammation, which, in turn increases the risk of lymphoma. Also, some of these autoimmune diseases are caused by genetic mutations, which again contribute to a high risk for lymphoma.
Chemical Exposure
Excessive chemical exposure can result in the damage or mutation of human cells' DNA and even disrupt the body's immune system. This can further lead to the development of cancerous cells, increasing the risk of lymphoma.
A few chemicals that have been associated with B-cell lymphoma risk factors are benzene, pesticides, chlorophenols, and organic solvents.
Radiation Exposure
Radiation exposure is also a potential risk factor for lymphoma as it can cause DNA mutations in health cells. Radiation exposure can either directly cause harm to the cell's DNA or lead to the production of free radicals through interaction with water molecules present in the cells, which in turn can damage the DNA.
Previous Cancer Treatment
Previous cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, can cause damage to nearby healthy cells. Thus, experts count previous cancer treatments as potential lymphoma risk factors as well.
However, the risk of developing this cancer depends significantly on the dose, type, and duration of the lymphoma treatment.
Genetic Factors
Genetic factors such as inherited mutations, certain genetic syndromes, such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and having a family history also add to the risk of getting lymphoma. These genetic factors can lead to mutations, increasing the chances of developing cancer.
How To Prevent Lymphoma?
Though there are no definitive ways of preventing lymphoma, adopting certain measures can surely help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Quitting smoking
Smoking can have an adverse effect on the genetics of healthy cells, increasing the chances of cancer development. Thus, it is recommended to quit smoking as a potential lymphoma cancer prevention strategy.
Consuming a balanced diet
A potential lymphoma prevention diet should include a balance of fruits, whole grains, and nuts while limiting the intake of processed meats and sugary drinks.
Limiting or avoiding alcohol
As excessive alcohol consumption can weaken an individual's immune system, it is recommended to limit its consumption to reduce the risk of lymphoma.
Preventing or treating infections
Certain infections associated with lymphoma, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Hepatitis C virus (HCV), can hamper the healthy DNA of the cells; treating them can help in potential lymphoma prevention as well.
Minimize exposure to toxic chemicals
Minimizing excessive exposure to toxic chemicals, such as benzene, can also help reduce the risk of developing lymphoma.
Limit unnecessary radiation exposure
As radiation exposure can damage the DNA structure of healthy cells, leading to an increased risk of lymphoma, it is often recommended to limit radiation exposure as much as possible.
Maintaining a healthy immune system
As lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, an important part of the immune system, experts advise making efforts to maintain a healthy immune system for potential lymphoma prevention.
Maintain a healthy weight
Excessive weight can also increase the risk of getting lymphoma, as it can lead to problems affecting an individual's healthy immune system. Thus, maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way toward possible lymphoma prevention.
Regular exercise
Staying physically active while exercising regularly is also considered effective in reducing the risk of developing lymphoma.
Conclusion
Having complete information about lymphoma risk factors can help increase survival rates among patients. Thus, every person should pay attention to these possible lymphoma causes and risk factors. Also, the appearance of any of the lymphoma symptoms and identification with any of the lymphoma risk factors should not be ignored, and one must consult a doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though there are no specific foods for preventing lymphoma, a balanced lymphoma prevention diet includes fruits that are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
This depends on the type of lymphoma. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common among young adults between the ages of 20 and 30, whereas non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common among older individuals.
A weakened immune system is a substantial lymphoma risk factor and should not be avoided.
With appropriate lymphoma treatment, it is possible to treat lymphoma with better success rates. However, it is important to note that the stage at which the disease is diagnosed also plays a pivotal role in evaluating the disease's prognosis. Early-stage lymphomas have better clinical outcomes as compared to advanced-stage lymphomas.
The survival rates for stage 1 lymphoma are excellent. Patients who are diagnosed and treated in the early stages have better success rates and survival chances and go on to live a normal life for many years.
Lymphoma can spread in the body through lymph nodes and through the bloodstream to other important organs, such as the bone marrow, liver, and lungs.
Potential Hodgkin's lymphoma causes and risk factors include a weak immune system, family history, radiation exposure, and certain infections.
Though there are no definite ways of preventing Burkitt's lymphoma, adopting certain measures such as avoiding smoking, getting proper vaccinations, exercising regularly, and managing good health conditions can reduce the chances of developing it.
Though there are no sure ways to prevent lymphoma, taking care of its risk factors can surely help reduce its development.
