Lymphoma is an umbrella term that encompasses cancers that begin in the lymph system. The lymph system consists of the organs and tissues that work in the production, storage, and movement of white blood cells. The two major lymphoma types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Here is what you should know about the risk factors and tips to help prevent lymphoma.

Each of the risk factors and tips to help prevent lymphoma are categorized according to the type of lymphoma.

Risk factors of Hodgkin lymphoma
The risk factors of Hodgkin lymphoma are as follows.

• People between the ages of 15 and 30 years are more likely to have Hodgkin lymphoma. This type of lymphoma is also more prevalent in people who are more than 55 years old.
• If you had any condition that was caused due to the Epstein-Barr virus, then you have a higher chance of developing Hodgkin lymphoma compared to those who never had such a condition.
• If you have a blood relative who had either Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, then it increases your chances of developing Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Research shows that men have a higher risk of developing this type of lymphoma when compared to women.

Risk factors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
The risk factors and tips to help prevent lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are as follows:

• You are at an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma if you take immunosuppressants or any medication that suppresses your immune system.
• Your risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is higher if you are exposed to particular chemicals such as those that are used for killing weeds and insects.
• You are more likely to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma if you are infected due to certain bacteria. These include Helicobacter pylori, Epstein-Barr infection, and HIV.
• You are at a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma if you are 60 years old or older than that. Non-Hodgkin can occur at any age.

Hodgkin lymphoma prevention
Some of the risk factors of Hodgkin lymphoma cannot be changed, and so it is difficult to prevent this type of lymphoma. However, there are some methods by which you can prevent Hodgkin lymphoma.

• You should never have unprotected sex with your partner. If you have sex, then ensure you use protection, especially when you have sex with multiple partners.
• You should avoid using intravenous medication use. If you need help, then speak to your doctor about it as this can lower your risk of Hodgkin lymphoma.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma prevention
The risk factors and tips to help prevent lymphoma are difficult because some of the risk factors cannot be changed. You only have the power of what you can change, and so the following tips can help.

• You should treat H. pylori infections with the help of antacids and antibiotics. Studies show that H. pylori infections can cause lymphomas in the stomach. It is tricky to diagnose H. pylori infection because, generally, there are no symptoms except mild heartburn.
• Some research points to the increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in overweight or obese people. If you are overweight or obese, then work to reduce your weight and maintain a healthy weight. You should concentrate on eating a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• You should use the strategies used to prevent HIV, such as practicing safe sex by using protection and taking medicines prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of HIV if you are likely to get the infection.