Hodgkin's Disease Risk Factors
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Risk Factors for Hodgkin's Disease
The lymphatic system is network of organs, ducts and nodes that play a vital role in the body's immune response to viruses and infection. The lymph nodes are important glands in the immune system that circulate white blood cells (leukocytes). The lymph nodes sometimes become swollen when the concentration of leukocytes increases as part of the body's normal response to an infection or condition.
Hodgkin's disease is a type of cancer that develops in lymphocytes, a particular type of white blood cell. And why this happens is unknown; scientists do not yet know what causes Hodgkin's disease.
However, researchers have identified certain factors that may be common among those who get this disease. Although they can increase your chances of developing Hodgkin's disease, having one or more of these factors does not mean you will get the disease.
The following are some risk factors associated with Hodgkin's disease:
- Gender - Men have a slightly greater chance of developing the disease than women.
- Age - Young to middle-aged adults (15-40) and those over age 55 are at an increased risk for developing Hodgkin's disease.
- Family History - A sibling of someone with the disease may be at an increased risk, however, the American Cancer Society reports that only five percent of cases are found to have a family link.
- Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) - Known for causing "mono" in young adults, EBV may be associated with the development of certain cancers, including lymphomas.
- Compromised Immune System - Having a compromised immune system from HIV/AIDS, or from an organ transplant that requires medication to suppress your immune response, may put you at a higher risk for developing Hodgkin's disease.
- Geography - Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common in North America and northern Europe.
- Socioeconomic Status - Hodgkin's lymphoma is more common in individuals with a higher socioeconomic background.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Understanding Your Risk Factors
There is no certain cause for Hodgkin's disease and it's not clear why certain factors may increase your risk. There are also no known preventable risk factors for Hodgkin's disease at this time. Although family history is not a determining factor, you may want to discuss any family history of lymphoma with your doctor.
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