Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
What should people know about non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are infection-fighting cells that are part of the body's immune system. Lymphocytes may be found in small, oval-shaped organs known as lymph nodes. Groups of lymph nodes are found in the armpits, neck, chest, abdomen and groin. Lymphocytes may also be found in the thymus, spleen, tonsils and bone marrow, and in other parts of the body including the stomach, skin and intestines.
Lymphomas are often divided into two groups based on the way the cells look under a microscope. These groups are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The information in this fact sheet is about non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Recent advances in classifying the different types should help scientists better understand each type, and what their different risk factors might be.
Each year in New York State, almost 2,700 men and over 2,300 women are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Over 600 men and almost 500 women in New York die from this disease each year. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the fifth most frequently diagnosed cancer among men and the sixth among women.
Who gets non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurs more frequently among men than among women. It also occurs more frequently among non-Hispanic White persons than among persons of any other race and ethnicity. Approximately 60% of people diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma are age 65 and over.
What factors increase risk for developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
At this time, the causes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are not well understood. However, scientists agree that certain factors increase a person's risk of developing this disease. These risk factors include:
- Immune deficiencies. People with depressed immune systems, such as those who have organ transplants or individuals with HIV/AIDS, have an increased risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Autoimmune diseases. People with certain types of inflammatory autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's syndrome and celiac disease, are at greater risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Family History. People with close relatives (parents, brothers/sisters, children) who have had non-Hodgkin lymphoma or other blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma) are at increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What can I do to reduce my chances of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
To help reduce the risk of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
- Individuals with suppressed immune systems due to HIV/AIDS should talk with their health care provider about treatment and risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Individuals with autoimmune disorders should talk with their health care providers about their risk for getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Know your family history and discuss any concerns with your health care provider.
How else can I reduce my risk for cancer?
The following may help reduce the risk of developing cancer:
- Be aware of workplace health and safety rules and follow them.
- Limit alcohol use.
- Choose a healthy diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains and eat less red and processed (e.g., bacon, sausage, luncheon meat, hot dogs) meats. These actions may reduce the risk of developing many cancers as well as other diseases.
- Exercise regularly.
- Do not smoke. If you currently smoke, quit. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. For more information on quitting smoking, visit the NYS Smoker's Quitline at www.nysmokefree.com or call 1-866-NY-QUITS.
- Discuss the risks and benefits of medical imaging, such as CT scans, with your health care provider to avoid unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. This is particularly important for children.
- Talk with your health care provider about recommended cancer screenings.
