Leukemia and lymphoma are cancers that affect white blood cells, but they are separate conditions. In some people, they can occur simultaneously.
It is possible, but very rare, to have both leukemia and lymphoma. Only a few cases are known.
However, people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma are more likely to get other cancers later, including other lymphomas and leukemia. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also increase the risk of developing cancer.
Breast cancer or lung cancer may develop after treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These are known as “second cancers” and typically occur at least 10 years after treatment. In rare cases, leukemia or other lymphomas can develop after just a few years.
There is a particular condition called Richter’s syndrome that a person with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) can develop. It is a very rare complication.
Richter’s syndrome occurs when CLL becomes a lymphoma, usually the non-Hodgkin type, and may develop suddenly. Typically, a diagnosis of CLL will already exist, but in some cases, it happens without a previous diagnosis.
Richter’s syndrome occurs in 2% to 10% of people with CLL.
A BMI of more than 30 increases the risk of cancer. This includes Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and CLL.
Aiming to improve your general health can give you the best chance of lowering your cancer risk overall.
To help reduce the risk, the following strategies can help:
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- maintaining a weight that is healthy for you
- exercising regularly
- eating a healthy diet
- stopping smoking, if you smoke
Though most people working in these occupations do not get lymphoma, the following activities and jobs may slightly increase the risk due to chemical exposure:
- crop farming
- hairdressing
- painting and decorating
- working in the rubber manufacturing industry
If it is possible to avoid these activities, this may help reduce your cancer risk.