Lymphoma: Hodgkin vs. Non-HodgkinLymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphocytes (white blood cells). There are two types of lymphomas: Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma differ in the way that they behave, spread, and respond to treatment.

Key statistics:

Hodgkin lymphoma

·         It is estimated that for 2015, there will be about 9,050 new cases of this type of cancer and about 1,150 deaths from it.

·         Both children and adults can develop Hodgkin disease. It is most commonly found in younger adults between the ages 15 and 40, and is most often found in people in their 20s. It is also commonly found in people older than 55. It is much rare in children, especially those younger than five years old. About 10 to 15 percent of cases are diagnosed in children and teens.

Non-hodgkin lymphoma

·         One of the most common cancers in the U.S. – accounts for about 4 percent of all cancers

·         It is estimated that for 2015, there will be about 71,850 new cases of this type of cancer and about 19,790 deaths from it.

Risk factors for Hodgkin disease:

·         Gender: Males are more likely to develop Hodgkin disease than females.

·         Age: People can develop Hodgkin disease at any age, but it is most common in early adulthood (ages 15 to 40, especially in a person’s 20s) and in late adulthood (after age 55).

·         Family history: Having a family history of Hodgkin disease increases your risk for developing it. This is especially true if you have a brother or sister who has had Hodkin disease. The risk is even higher for a sibling who is an identical twin.

·         Epstein-Barr virus infection/mononucleosis: People who have had infectious mononucleosis an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), have an increased risk of Hodgkin disease.

·         HIV infection: The risk of Hodgkin disease is increased in people infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

·         Geographic location: Hodgkin disease is most common in the United States, Canada, and northern Europe, and is least common in Asian countries.

Risk factors for Non-hodgkin lymphoma:

·         Race/Ethnicity. More common among African-Americans and Asian Americans.

·         Age. Most common in people aged 60 or older.

·         Gender. The overall risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is higher in men than in women. However, there are certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that are more common in women.

·         Autoimmune diseases (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren disease, celiac sprue)

·         Geography. More common in United States and Europe.

·         Certain infections (i.e. infections that directly transform lymphocytes, infections that weaken the immune system, infections that cause chronic inflammation)

·         Being overweight or obese

·         Diet high in fat and meat

·         Exposure to certain chemicals (benzene or certain herbicides and insecticides)

·         Radiation exposure

·         Immune system deficiency (organ transplant, HIV)

·         Having breast implants (Some women develop anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the scar tissue around their breast implants. This is very rare.)