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What are the risk factors?

The causes of lymphoma are not yet known. There are many different types of lymphoma, and it is likely that there is no single cause of all lymphoma.

Risk factors for lymphoma include exposure to radiation and certain chemicals (benzene and some agricultural chemicals). For people whose immune system is suppressed, exposure to the human immunodeficiency (AIDS) virus and the Epstein-Barr virus is a risk.

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This information is reviewed by

This information was written and last reviewed in September 2020 by Cancer Council SA's experienced information team with support from national Cancer Council publications.