Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma - Risk Factors

Other Conditions Associated with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas

Autoimmune Diseases. Patients with autoimmune diseases may have increased risks for developing NHL. A 2005 review found that patients with Sjogren?s syndrome had 18.8 times more risk for NHL than healthy patients. Systemic lupus erythemtosus increased risk by 7.4 times, and rheumatoid arthritis increased risk by 3.9 times.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers used to treat autoimmune conditions -- such as infliximab (Remicade), etanercept (Enbrel), and adalimumab (Humira) -- can also increase the risk for developing NHL. According to one study, lymphoma rates for patients who took infliximab for Crohn's disease or RA were six times higher than those found in the general public.

Pregnancy and Childbirth. One study observed a higher risk for lymphomas in children with a low weight at birth or with mothers who were heavy smokers during pregnancy. (Breastfeeding for more than 6 months, on the other hand, may offer some protection.)

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