George a software engineer, due to the nature of his job, spent long hours in front of a computer, developing a habit of working late into the night. With little physical activity beyond his job and a diet consisting mainly of fast food, years of high-pressure work and an unhealthy lifestyle led to him feeling increasingly exhausted.

It wasn't until he noticed his neck lymph nodes were swollen and persistently painful that he took it seriously. After medical examination, George was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a diagnosis that caught him off guard. This case highlights how poor lifestyle choices can lead to severe health consequences.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer originating from lymphocytes, which are crucial components of the immune system responsible for fighting off infections. Lymphoma is categorized into two main types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, each requiring different treatment approaches based on the pathological subtype. Symptoms of lymphoma may include painless swelling of lymph nodes, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Untreated, lymphoma can spread to other parts of the body, posing a serious health threat.

The main causes of lymphoma encompass a variety of internal and external factors, including:

1. **Genetic Susceptibility**: If there is a history of lymphoma in the family, relatives may have an increased probability of developing the same type of disease.

2. **Immune System Diseases**: Autoimmune diseases or immunosuppressive treatments, such as drugs used after organ transplantation, may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of lymphoma.

3. **Pathogen Infection**: Infections by certain viruses (such as Epstein-Barr virus) and bacteria (such as Helicobacter pylori) are believed to be related to specific types of lymphoma.

4. **Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits**: Long-term smoking and excessive alcohol consumption lead to the production of more carcinogens in the body, while a lack of physical exercise reduces the body's immunity and self-repair capabilities.

5. **Occupational Exposure**: Prolonged contact with certain industrial chemicals, such as benzene and pesticides, may damage DNA, thereby increasing the risk of developing lymphoma.

To prevent lymphoma, it is recommended to adopt the following lifestyle and health measures:

1. **Balanced Diet**: Include plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which are rich in antioxidants that help the body combat the damage caused by free radicals.

2. **Regular Sleep Patterns**: Ensuring adequate nighttime sleep is crucial, as chronic lack of sleep increases stress on the body.

3. **Regular Exercise**: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity exercise per week can improve cardiorespiratory fitness and strengthen the immune system.

4. **Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol**: Tobacco and alcohol are known risk factors for lymphoma, so quitting smoking and moderate alcohol consumption are essential for reducing risk.

5. **Occupational Health**: In work environments with a risk of chemical exposure, appropriate protective measures should be taken, such as wearing masks and gloves, to minimize direct contact.

6. **Regular Health Check-Ups**: Timely checks can detect early signs of lymphoma, especially for individuals with a family history, making regular professional lymph node examinations particularly important.

Through the measures mentioned above, we can effectively reduce the risk of lymphoma in daily life and promote overall health. As a physician, I always encourage patients to pay attention to their lifestyle and prevent diseases by adjusting their habits positively to protect their health.

Content reference source:

1. **World Health Organization (WHO)**: The WHO provides extensive information on cancer, including lymphoma, its risk factors, and prevention strategies.

2. **American Cancer Society**: This organization offers detailed descriptions of different types of cancer, including the causes, risk factors, and prevention tips for lymphoma.

3. **National Cancer Institute (NCI)**: The NCI, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, is a valuable resource for information on all cancers, including lymphoma.

4. **Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)**: The LLS provides comprehensive resources on blood cancers, including lymphoma, focusing on research, patient support, and education on prevention and treatments.