Individuals who have never been married face a greater probability of developing cancer compared to those who are married, according to researchers from the University of Miami. The findings of their study were published in Cancer Research Communications (CRC).
The scientists conducted an analysis encompassing over four million instances of cancer diagnoses recorded across 12 US states between 2015 and 2022, involving adults aged 30 and older. It was determined that the cancer incidence rate for men who had never married was 68% greater, and for women, it was 85% greater, in contrast to their married counterparts.
However, the authors stress that this does not imply marriage offers a direct shield against oncological illnesses. Underlying this observed correlation could be alternative elements, such as lifestyle choices, levels of stress, habits like smoking, as well as access to healthcare and consistent medical screening.
The most pronounced disparities were noted for specific cancer types. For instance, never-married men showed approximately five times the rate of anal canal cancer diagnoses, whereas never-married women exhibited nearly three times the incidence of cervical cancer. Since both these conditions are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), routine screening and preventative measures might play a crucial role in these instances.
For cancers where screening programs are well-established (such as breast or prostate cancer), the differences observed were less significant.
The research was observational in nature and did not track changes longitudinally, thus precluding the establishment of a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Nevertheless, the scientists posit that marital status might function as a significant social indicator of risk.
The study’s authors highlight that it is particularly vital for unmarried individuals to prioritize preventive care: ensuring regular medical check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking timely medical assistance.
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