Cause 2: Immune System – A Double-Edged Sword
The relationship between our immune system and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is intricate and nuanced. A robust immune system is designed to protect us, combatting foreign substances, infections, and diseases. However, when this system is weakened or compromised, it can trigger Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
The immune system might be compromised due to a range of reasons. Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, or taking immunosuppressant drugs for organ transplants can make an individual more susceptible to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. This increased susceptibility comes from the immune system’s reduced ability to fight off diseases, allowing potential cancer cells to flourish unchecked.
Individuals with genetic immune disorders, where the immune system is inherently flawed, are also at an increased risk. These genetic conditions, often rare, can compromise the body’s ability to fight off infections, making them potential breeding grounds for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
However, this doesn’t mean that everyone with a weakened immune system will develop Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. It’s one potential risk factor among many. Even healthy individuals with no apparent immune system issues can develop Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The immune system’s link to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is therefore not a straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. (2)
