How to Prevent Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a disease of the lymph system of the body. The lymph system is responsible for white blood cell production, as well as for helping transport essential nutrients throughout the body. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, approximately 74,340 Americans are diagnosed with lymphoma each year.

Instructions

• 1

  Practice safe sex. One of the leading risk factors for lymphoma are sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, that compromise the immune system and leave a person more prone to a lymph cancer such as lymphoma.

• 2

  Treat infections properly. Long-term infections can also raise the risks of developing lymphoma. Infections force the body to continually make white blood cells to fight the infection. The more white blood cells the body makes, the better chance that one of the cells will malfunction and become cancerous.

• 3

  Stop smoking. Cigarettes as well as cigars contain a host of carcinogenic compounds that, when ingested, drastically increase your risks for developing cancer. This includes raising your risks for lymphoma.

• 4

  Avoid unnecessary radiation. Exposure to radiation is also a common cause of lymphoma. Those who have been near nuclear accidents, or those who have gone through radiation therapy are at high risk for developing lymphoma.

• 5

  Avoid contact with benzine. Benzene is a common chemical found in drug making, plastics and dyes, and is also a known carcinogen. Benzene exposure has been drastically lowered due to its removal as an additive in commercial gasoline, but can still be found in many other products.