Risks for childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Some things can affect your risk, or chance, of developing cancer. Certain behaviours, substances or conditions can increase or decrease the risk. Most cancers are the result of many risks. Childhood cancers are rare and there is less known about the risks. Most risks for childhood cancer are not modifiable. This means that you can’t change them.

Some children with genetic conditions have a higher than average risk for childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Talk to the doctor about your child’s risk.

The following can increase the risk for childhood NHL. None of these risks can be changed. Until we learn more about these risks, there are no specific ways to lower the risk for childhood NHL.

Weak immune system

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

Having a weak immune system (immunosuppression) increases the risk for childhood NHL. A child may have a weak immune system for different reasons, including if they have HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or if they have had an organ transplant and must take medicines to suppress their immune system.

The following inherited conditions can also weaken the immune system and increase the risk of cancers such as childhood NHL.

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) affects the nervous system, immune system and other body systems. Signs and symptoms include loss of balance, poor coordination, frequent infections, red eyes (due to widening of blood vessels) and abnormal eye movements. AT is associated with an increased risk of developing some cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) affects the blood cells and the cells of the immune system. It usually only affects boys. WAS increases the risk of children developing Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), NHL and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).

X-linked lymphoproliferative disease (XLP) affects the immune system so it has an abnormal response to an Epstein-Barr virus infection. This response can cause damage to the bone marrow, liver, spleen, heart and kidneys. It is more common in boys. XLP increases the risk of NHL in childhood and adulthood.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome affects both the immune and nervous systems. Children with Chediak-Higashi syndrome have a higher risk of certain cancers of the immune system, including NHL.

Severe combined immunodeficiency disorder (SCID) affects the immune system so that the white blood cells don’t work properly, causing serious infections. SCID increases the risk of childhood NHL.

Bloom syndrome is caused by mutations in a certain chromosome. Signs include shorter than average height, a high-pitched voice and a characteristic facial appearance.

Bloom syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma, and breast, cervical, colon, stomach, laryngeal and non-melanoma skin cancers, as well as Wilms tumour. People with Bloom syndrome often develop several different types of cancer.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a type of herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis (also called mono, or the kissing disease).

Children with EBV have a higher risk of developing Burkitt lymphoma. Burkitt lymphoma is a type of childhood NHL that is most often found in Africa, where children may also be infected with malaria. It is rare on other continents.

Learn more about Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

The following have been linked with childhood NHL, but more research is needed to know for sure that they are risks:

• exposure to pesticides
• either parent smoking tobacco before conception or during pregnancy

To make the decisions that are right for you, ask your doctor questions about risks. Learn how cancer can be prevented and what you can do to reduce your risk.