Reducing your risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

You may lower your risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) by doing the following.

Avoid exposure to pesticides

Lindane is an insecticide that increases the risk of NHL, and other pesticides may possibly increase your risk. Avoid or lower your long-term exposure to pesticides. Avoid using pesticides for cosmetic reasons. If you have to use pesticides, use smaller amounts. Follow occupational health and safety requirements in your province, such as avoiding areas treated with pesticides for a given amount of time. Follow product label instructions on how to safely use pesticides. Wear the recommended protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves or a mask, when applying pesticides.

Have a healthy body weight

Some studies have shown that obesity may increase your risk of NHL. You may lower your risk by having a healthy body weight. Eating well and being physically active can help you have a healthy body weight.

Follow occupational and safety guidelines

Some occupations, such as farming, the rubber industry, wood and forestry, printing and welding, may increase the risk of NHL. Some specific occupational exposures, including trichloroethylene, hair dyes and benzene, may also increase the risk of NHL. Follow occupational and safety guidelines when working with hazardous chemicals.

Find out if you’re at high risk for NHL

Some people can have a higher than average risk for NHL. Talk to your doctor about your risk. If you are at higher than average risk, you may need to visit your doctor more often to check for NHL. Your doctor will recommend what tests you should have and how often you should have them.

More information about reducing your risk of cancer

Learn how cancer can be prevented and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Expert review and references

  • Buck CB, Ratner L, Tosato G . Oncogenic viruses. DeVita VT Jr., Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA (eds.). DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2019: 7:98-114.
  • Cerhan JR, Vajdic CM & Spinelli JJ . The non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Thun MJ (ed.). Schottenfeld and Fraumeni Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention. 4th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2018: 41: 767-796.
  • Freedman AS, Jacobson CA, Ng A, & Aster JC . Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. DeVita VT Jr., Lawrence TS, & Rosenberg SA (eds.). DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology. 11th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer; 2019: 98: 1671-1707.
  • Grufferman S . Epidemiology and hereditary aspects of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Wiernik PH, Dutcher JP, Gertz MA (eds.). Neoplastic Diseases of the Blood: Volume 2. 6th ed. Springer; 2018: 39: 755-772.

Medical disclaimer

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