Cause 6: Lifestyle Factors and Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Smoking’s role in the onset of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is not as direct as in cancers such as lung or throat. However, the unhealthy habit indirectly affects the risk profile of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma through its detrimental impact on the immune system. A weakened immune system is less capable of defending against diseases, including malignant conditions like Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Just like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption is a lifestyle aspect that can potentially augment the risk of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Although there’s no concrete evidence directly linking moderate alcohol consumption to an increased risk, heavy drinking can impair the immune system. This weakened state may make the body more susceptible to various infections and diseases, including Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Obesity, a lifestyle factor that individuals can control, can also indirectly contribute to the risk of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. An excessive amount of body weight can instigate chronic inflammation, a common side effect of obesity, which over time can pave the way for various types of cancer.
These lifestyle factors—smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity—don’t impact the Hodgkin’s Lymphoma risk profile as much as age, genetic factors, or immune system compromise. However, since they are factors within our control, managing them can potentially reduce the risk of various diseases, including Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. (6)
