Study Links Marriage to Lower Cancer Risk in Observational Data

A study published on Wednesday in the journal Cancer Research Communications examined the association between marital status and cancer incidence. The observational study analyzed data from older adults and found that never-married men had cancer rates 68% higher than those who had been married, including individuals who were divorced or widowed.

For never-married women, the rates were 83% higher.

The study suggests that the protective effect of marriage may accumulate over time, with the correlation strengthening among older participants. Lead author Dr. Paulo S. Pinheiro, an epidemiologist at the University of Miami Health System, noted that for some cancers like endometrial and ovarian, the trend could relate to reproductive factors, as women who have never given birth face higher risks.

When data was analyzed by race and ethnicity, Black men showed the strongest association between marriage and lower cancer rates.

pointed to several factors that may explain the link.

Married individuals often have better access to health care and social support, which could encourage screening and prevention. The study also found lower rates of lung and cervical cancers among married people, cancers associated with behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and promiscuity. Dr.

Brad Wilcox, a professor at the University of Virginia who was not involved in the research, commented on the findings. " — Dr. Brad Wilcox (Cnn) This contrasts with prior research indicating that men generally benefit more from marriage in heterosexual relationships.

rates have declined in recent decades, according to Dr.

Andrew J. Cherlin, a professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins University who studies family sociology. Cherlin noted that marriage was once nearly universal but now divides society into groups with varying health outcomes.