Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer that begins in your body's white blood cells, can include symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes in your armpits. Frequent exposure to chemicals used in the maintenance of golf courses can increase your chances of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to research published in the "American Journal of Industrial Medicine." However, insufficient scientific evidence exists to conclusively support the link between an avid golfer's exposure to pesticides and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Definition
Both Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma originate in your lymphocytes or disease-fighting white blood cells. Whether you have Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the presence of an abnormal cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell, according to the Mayo Clinic. The presence of this abnormal cell indicates Hodgkin's lymphoma; likewise, its absence means a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, fever and weight loss.
Risks
Risks for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include a suppressed immune system, increased age and chemicals used to kill weeds -- including those that avid golfers are exposed to on golf courses. A suppressed immune system makes it harder for your body to fight diseases such as cancer. Cornell University's Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research reports that farmers exposed to the most commonly used pesticide in the United States -- 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, or 2, 4-D -- exhibited temporarily weaker immune systems.
Golf Courses
Golf courses are among the most toxically treated areas. A report by the New York State Attorney General's Office entitled "Toxic Fairway" observed the use of pesticides on 52 Long Island, New York golf courses and determined these courses applied 50,000 lbs. of pesticides in one year -- four to seven times more than the average amount of pesticides used in agriculture. Of the 30 most frequently used golf-course turf pesticides, 19 can cause cancer, including the herbicide 2, 4-D, reports the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides.
Evidence
A study published in the May 1996 edition of the "American Journal of Industrial Medicine," by a team led by Burton C. Kross, observed the cause of death in 686 deceased members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, or GCSAA. Researchers compared the death certificates of former GCSAA white-male members and white males in the general population. Results indicated that GCSAA former members had higher incidences of mortality for four cancer types: brain, prostate, large intestine and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Higher cancer rates, in this study, were attributed to exposure to toxic pesticides, chemicals and herbicides used to keep the fairways green and lush, according to the Natural Cancer Cures website.
References
- American Journal of Industrial Medicine: "Proportionate Mortality Study of Golf Course Superintendents"
- Cornell University Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research: Pesticides and Breast Cancer Risk: An Evaluation of 2,4-D
- National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides: Golf, Pesticides and Organic Practices
- Mayo Clinic: Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Mayo Clinic: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Risk Factors
- Natural Cancer Cures: Not So Green -- Golf Course Pesticides
