EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NON-HODGKINS-LYMPHOMA - A REVIEW

This article reviews the factors that have been identified with an ele vated risk for the development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The incidenc e rate of lymphoma increased 50% between 1973 and 1987. A high inciden ce rate has been seen among the elderly, males, and rural populations. Risk factors have been grouped into viruses, herbicides, and other to xins. Associated viruses include Epstein-Barr virus, human T cell lymp hotropic virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. Phenoxyherbicides, p articular 2,4-D, have often been associated with lymphoma. Benzene is the most frequently cited toxin in occupational exposures. Herbicides, benzene, hair dyes, and smoking may be factors that might affect larg e segments of the population. Epidemiological studies focused on disea se entities defined with molecular markers will be useful.