Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are some of the factors known to increase the risk of developing AIDS-related lymphoma:
Age
AIDS-related lymphoma may be diagnosed as either Non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin type lymphoma. Typically, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma occurs in patients older than 60, whereas Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in younger patients under 35.
Gender
Lymphomas are more common in men than in women.
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
It is estimated that 30-40% of people with AIDS contract some sort of cancer. HIV is a precursor to AIDS, which weakens the immune system and allows for the body to easily contract infections and diseases. Among individuals with HIV, roughly 10% develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma. More HIV individuals who have positive blood tests also have a risk for lymphoma versus those who are negative. A study recently demonstrated an overall incidence of cancer to be 4%.
Immune Deficiency
Conditions which suppress the normal immune system such as HIV virus, an organ transplant, or certain inherited genetic traits may increase the risk for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Since 1990, extensive therapeutic antiretroviral studies have demonstrated that effective treatments decrease AIDS symptoms, prevent immunodeficiency and decrease the incidence of lymphoma and other cancers.
Spreading of HIV Virus
Unsterile IV injections and intimate, unprotected sexual contact are common methods of spreading the HIV virus.
