Increased Risk of Lymphoma

 


Conditions that suggest Increased Risk of Lymphoma

Autoimmune  

Gluten Sensitivity / Celiac Disease

Gluten sensitivity predisposes patients to the eventual development of lymphoma. If this relationship is re-stated as “cereal grains cause cancer” the implications are more easily understood. In addition, the incidence of undiagnosed celiac disease is higher among those with small-bowel lymphoma [Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2000;12: pp.645-648]. There is evidence that strict adherence to a gluten-free diet will reduce the incidence of lymphoma.



The Immune System  

MGUS

With time, many people with MGUS eventually develop multiple myeloma, lymphoma, or a disease called amyloidosis. The rate of this happening is about 1% per year. The risk of this happening is higher in people whose protein levels are particularly high. Patients with MGUS usually need frequent medical examinations and tests to detect possible progression to multiple myeloma, but they do not need immediate treatment.



 


Organ Health  



Risk factors for Increased Risk of Lymphoma

Autoimmune  

Sjogren's Syndrome

pSS patients are 40 times more at risk than healthy people to develop lymphoma, a fatal lymphocytic cancer.



Minor Symptoms  

Fermented soy product consumption

Isoflavone aglycones are anticarcinogenic substances found in traditionally fermented soybean products.

Researchers at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic have found that people who have higher intakes of vitamin K have a lower risk of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Those in the top quarter of vitamin K-1, from diet and dietary supplements, had a 45% less risk for developing this cancer of immune cells.



Symptoms - Cancer  

History of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma



 

History of Hodgkin's lymphoma



Symptoms - Environment  

History of herbicide exposure

There is reasonable evidence suggesting occupational exposure to phenoxy herbicides could result in both Hodgkin’s and non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These compounds act as growth regulators and cause destructive proliferation of tissues in plants.




Increased Risk of Lymphoma can lead to

Risks  



Recommendations for Increased Risk of Lymphoma

Detoxification  

Sauna Detoxification Program

Programs using low temperature environments (like special saunas) have clearly demonstrated the ability to reduce or remove chemicals commonly stored in the fatty tissues of modern man. Such chemicals include recreational drugs, pesticides, herbicides, and many solvents. These chemicals are often carcinogenic, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in particular, has been linked to herbicide and pesticide exposure. By avoiding contact with these agents or removing them from a body already burdened with them, the risk of health consequences including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma should be reduced.



Diet  


 

Vegetarian/Vegan Diet

A high red meat and animal fat intake is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in older women.



 

Caffeine/Coffee Avoidance

The consumption of coffee, tea and cola were all positively correlated with a higher risk of NHL.



 


Drug  


Habits  


Lab Tests/Rule-Outs  


Mineral  

Selenium

In evaluating 59 patients with lymphoid malignancies such as Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, it was found that serum selenium concentrations were significantly lower in patients than in controls. The lower the selenium levels were, the worse the cancer turned out to be.

As deficient selenium levels are associated with an increased risk of cancers in general, ensuring adequate selenium intake and maximizing selenium status in the presence of an elevated cancer risk is appropriate.



 

Zinc

It was found that the copper to zinc ratio was significantly higher in patients with lymphoma or acute and chronic leukemias compared to control subjects. A person at increased risk of one of these cancers should check blood levels of copper and zinc to rule out abnormalities and make adjustments accordingly. Since zinc and copper are antagonistic, and zinc deficiency is relatively common, supplemental zinc is often used to improve this ratio. Zinc helps block the absorption of copper and acts to remove accumulated copper from the body as well as prevent its accumulation. [Rev. Invest. Clin, Nov-Dec. 1995;47(6): pp.447-52]



 

Copper

Please see the following Link for developmental research on the importance of lowering copper levels.



Nutrient  

Beta-Carotene

The diets of 358 white men and women with NHL and 1432 controls living in Nebraska were compared. Dietary carotene intake was inversely related to NHL risk in men but not in women.

[Ward MH, Hoar ZS, Weisenburger DD, et al. Dietary factors and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in Nebraska]



 


Vitamins  

Vitamin E

Observational Study: Serum vitamin E concentrations were significantly lower in leukemia and lymphoma patients than in normal controls.



 

Vitamin D

Administration of activated vitamin D (1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol) may be beneficial in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Experimental Study: In a small trial, patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who were found to have high levels of vitamin D receptors responded to activated vitamin D.

[Cunningham D, Gilcrist NL, Cowan RA, et al. Vitamin D as a modulator of tumour growth in low grade lymphomas. Abstract. Scot Med J 30: 193, 1985]



 

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

The diets of 358 white men and women with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 1,432 controls living in Nebraska were compared. When dietary vitamin C levels were low, the risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in men increased. This correlation was not found in women. [Ward MH, Hoar ZS, Weisenburger DD, et al. Dietary factors and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma]



Key

Weak or unproven link
Strong or generally accepted link
Proven definite or direct link
Strongly counter-indicative
May do some good
Likely to help
Reasonably likely to cause problems

Glossary

Celiac Disease

(Gluten sensitivity) A digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein called gluten. Common symptoms include diarrhea, increased appetite, bloating, weight loss, irritability and fatigue. Gluten is found in wheat (including spelt, triticale, and kamut), rye, barley and sometimes oats.

Lymphoma

Any tumor of the lymphatic tissues.

Cancer

Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.

Protein

Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.

Vitamin K

Helps the blood clot when the body is injured.

Hodgkin's Disease

Cancer of the lymphatic system and lymph nodes.

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