Lymphoma is the cancer of the lymphatic system, which is the disease-fighting network of the body. The lymphocytes or infection-fighting cells are found in lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. When you have lymphoma, lymphocytes change and grow out of control. The main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Knowing about the risk factors for lymphoma can help.

• Age
  One of the most important risk factors for lymphoma is age. Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs mostly during early adulthood, between ages 15 and 40, and especially in the 20s. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma occurs more in people who are older than 60 years of age.
• Weakened immune system
  Weakened immune system is one of the major risk factors for lymphoma . It can cause both Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. People who have undergone organ transplant are treated with medicines that suppress their immune system in order to prevent the body from attacking the new organ. Such people are at high risk of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Some genetic diseases such as ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome cause children to be born with a deficient immune system. These children are at high risk of developing Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides
  Exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides is another one of the risk factors for lymphoma. For instance, Vietnam veterans and other people who have been exposed to Agent Orange or other herbicides are at increased risk of developing lymphoma.
• Infection
  People who have a previous infection of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or mononucleosis are at increased risk of suffering from Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or HIV or HTLV-1 or HHV8 are risk factors of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma too.
• Family history
  In about 5% of people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the disease can be traced back to a family member.
• Exposure to chemicals
  Exposure to certain chemicals, including benzene and pesticides, is a risk factor for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Some studies have also suggested that certain medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, might increase the risk of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Exposure to radiation
  Exposure to radiation is a vital risk factor for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Patients treated with radiation for Hodgkin’s lymphoma are found to be at risk for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  If a person has undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy, he may be at higher risk of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Gender
  The risk of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is higher in men than in women. But certain Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are more common in women. The reason for this is not known.
• Race, ethnicity and geography
  It is found that in the USA, Caucasians are more prone to developing Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma than African Americans or Asian Americans. Worldwide, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common in developed countries.

So, keep the risk factors for lymphoma in mind and make sure you go for regular checkups if you have any of these risk factors. An early diagnosis can save your life.