Married People Have a Lower Risk of Cancer, New Study Finds
“It means that if you’re not married, you should be paying extra attention to cancer risk factors," study authors said
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NEED TO KNOW
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A study found unmarried men have 68% higher cancer rates and unmarried women 83% higher rates than married individuals
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Researchers link marriage to healthier behaviors like reduced tobacco use and more frequent cancer screenings
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Experts stress unmarried people should prioritize cancer prevention, screenings, and awareness of risk factors
People who have tied the knot have a lower risk of developing cancer.
A new study — published Wednesday, April 8 in the Cancer Research Communications journal — analyzed eight years of health data from millions of adults ages 30 and older in 12 states.
Researchers found that men who have never been married have cancer rates 68% higher than those who have been married, including those widowed or divorced. Additionally, women who have never been married have cancer rates 83% higher.
"When it comes to getting cancer, putting a ring on it may offer more protection to women," Dr. Brad Wilcox, a professor at the University of Virginia who studies marriage, told CNN . Wilcox, who was not involved in the study, added, "That's striking."
Man in the hospital Credit: Getty
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Tobacco-related cancers, including lung and esophageal cancers, were more common among those who have never been married. For women, there was a higher incidence of endometrial and ovarian cancers among those never married.
Researchers said there are likely multiple causes for the link between marriage and lower cancer risk.
"Marriage reflects enduring social, economic, and institutional ties that may influence cancer risk through multiple mechanisms," study authors wrote.
They explained that those who are married tend to have healthier behaviors like reduced tobacco and alcohol use. Additionally, unmarried individuals are less likely to seek preventive care or cancer screenings.
Newlywed couple Credit: Getty
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Marriage rates in the United States have declined significantly in the past two decades. However, researchers note that this study doesn't mean that getting married prevents cancer or that marriage is a necessity.
"It means that if you're not married, you should be paying extra attention to cancer risk factors, getting any screenings you may need and staying up to date on health care," Dr. Frank Penedo — study author and associate director for population sciences of the Sylvester DCC Living Proof Endowed Chair in Cancer Survivorship — said in a statement . "For prevention efforts, our findings point to the importance of targeting cancer risk awareness and prevention strategies with attention to marital status."
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