Risk factors

Factors that can increase the risk of lymphoma include:

• Your age. Some types of lymphoma are more common in young adults, while others are most often diagnosed in people over 55.
• Being male. Males are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma than are females.
• Having an impaired immune system. Lymphoma is more common in people with immune system diseases or in people who take drugs that suppress their immune system.
• Developing certain infections. Some infections are associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, including the Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylori infection.