Khaberni - A study found that women who have never married face an 85% higher risk of cancer compared to those who are married. For men, the risk among singles reaches about 70%.
This increased risk extends to multiple types of cancer, such as lung, bowel, and esophageal cancers, especially those linked to preventable factors like smoking.
Researchers relied on analyzing data from over 100 million people and concluded that marital status can be a strong indicator, often overlooked, of cancer risk.
It is known that marriage is associated with early diagnosis and survival chances due to emotional, financial, and practical support between spouses. However, this study, published in the journal "Cancer Research and Communications," suggests that marriage may also affect the likelihood of developing the disease in the first place.
The team analyzed more than 4 million cancer cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2022, involving adults aged 30 and above. It appeared that one in every five participants had never married.
The result was that unmarried men are significantly more prone to cancer compared to married, divorced, or widowed men, with a larger gap among women.
Some differences were very striking. Unmarried men were about two and a half times more likely to develop esophageal cancer, whereas unmarried women had three times the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to married women.
Regarding other female cancers, it is believed that the lower risk among married women reflects higher rates of childbirth, which has a known protective effect against some types of cancer.
On the other hand, marriage had a weaker effect on cancers that have effective early detection programs, such as breast, thyroid, and prostate cancers.
Among the interesting findings was that the protective effect of marriage was strongest among Black men who recorded the highest overall cancer rates, but these were the lowest once they were married.
Professor Frank Benedo, a participant in the study from the University of Miami, commented, "Marital status often just considered a secondary variable, but our results suggest that it could be an important social factor reflecting dimensions of cancer risk not explained by traditional factors like race, age, or income. This means that unmarried individuals should pay more attention to risk factors, undergo necessary screenings, and comply with health follow-ups."
However, the researchers emphasized that marriage itself is not a shield against cancer, but lifestyle factors play a key role. People less likely to smoke, excessively drink, or neglect their health are also more likely to settle in long-term relationships.
The researchers concluded that while marriage is not a "magic shield," it can be a useful signal of latent cancer risk, affirming that "social factors such as marital status are significant indicators of cancer risk."
