Risk factors

• Family history. Having a sibling who has suffered from the disease increases the risk. It is not currently known if genetic factors come into play or if the fact of having grown up in a similar environment is involved;
• Sex. Slightly more men than women suffer from Hodgkin’s disease;
• Infection with virus d’Epstein-Barr (infectious mononucleosis). People who have contracted the virus in the past are said to have a higher risk of developing the disease;
• Immune failure. Patients with HIV or who have had a transplant and are taking anti-rejection drugs appear to be at higher risk than average.

Prevention

We do not know to date no action preventing Hodgkin’s disease.