A comprehensive study conducted in the U.S. suggests that marital status may be linked to cancer incidence, highlighting the role of social and behavioral factors in health.
In discussions about cancer, the focus is usually on factors such as smoking, diet, physical activity, heredity, or access to medical check-ups. However, a study published in Cancer Research Communications indicates that whether a person is married or not may also be associated with the risk of the disease.
According to researchers from the National University of Athens, the analysis included data from 12 U.S. states for the period 2015–2022, focusing on individuals over 30 years old. The study analyzed over 4.2 million cancer cases and more than 500 million person-years of follow-up.
The results showed that individuals who had never been married had a higher incidence of cancer in most categories. Among men, the incidence was about 68% higher compared to those who had been married at some point in their lives, while among women it was about 85% higher. This pattern was observed across different racial groups, many types of cancer, and various age groups, becoming more pronounced with age.
Significant differences were noted in some specific types of cancer. Among men, the largest increase was observed in anal cancer, while among women it was in cervical cancer. Variations were also found in cancers related to infections, smoking, and alcohol consumption. In contrast, differences were smaller for thyroid, prostate, and, to a more limited extent, breast cancers.
The researchers emphasize that marriage does not directly "protect" against cancer but may reflect a range of supportive factors, such as stability in daily life, emotional support, economic security, and more frequent contact with healthcare services. A partner often encourages preventive check-ups and early medical intervention.
The study also highlights significant inequalities among different population groups, showing that marital status is closely linked to broader social factors, such as poverty, exclusion, and access to resources.
However, the authors note the limitations of the analysis: marital status does not reflect the quality of relationships, cohabitation, or actual emotional support. Therefore, the main conclusion is not that marriage reduces the risk of cancer, but that social and behavioral factors play an important role in health.
The key takeaway is that health is influenced not only by biological factors but also by social conditions and lifestyle.