We do not yet know exactly what causes Hodgkin disease, but we do know that certain risk factors are linked to the disease. A risk factor is something that affects a person's chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, such as smoking, and sun damage can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or family history, can't be changed. But risk factors don't tell us everything. Having a risk factor, or even several, doesn't mean that a person will get the disease. Likewise, not having any risk factors doesn't mean a person won't get the disease.

Scientists have found a few risk factors that may make a person more likely to get Hodgkin disease, although it's not always clear why these factors increase risk.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection/mononucleosis: There is a higher risk of Hodgkin disease in people who have had "mono" (infectious mononucleosis), caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. While the risk is higher in people who have had this disease, the overall risk is still very small.

Age: Hodgkin disease is most common in early adulthood (age 15 to 40, especially in a person's 20s) and in late adulthood (after age 55).

Gender: Hodgkin disease occurs slightly more often in males than in females.

Geography: Hodgkin disease is most common in the United States, Canada, and northern Europe, and least common in Asian countries.

Family history: There is a higher risk for Hodgkin disease in brothers and sisters of young people with this disease. The risk is very high for an identical twin of a person with Hodgkin disease. But still, a family link is not common, and is seen in only around 5% of all cases.

Socioeconomic status: The risk of Hodgkin disease is greater in people with a higher socioeconomic background. The reason for this is not clear.

Last Medical Review: 08/06/2009
Last Revised: 08/06/2009