Women who have never married may have up to an 85% higher risk of developing cancer, while in men this risk increases by about 70%, according to a large scientific study.
The study, which analyzed data from over 100 million people, suggests that marital status may be an important – and often underestimated – indicator of cancer risk.
The increased risk includes several types of cancer, such as lung, colon, and esophageal cancer, especially those associated with preventable factors such as smoking.
Marriage has long been linked to earlier diagnosis and better survival, largely due to the emotional, financial and practical support that partners provide to each other. But this study shows that it may also affect the onset of the disease itself.
Researchers analyzed over four million cancer cases diagnosed between 2015 and 2022, including people over the age of 30. The study also included married same-sex couples, while one in five participants had never been married.
The results showed that single men were significantly more likely to develop cancer compared to those who were married, divorced or widowed. This difference was even more pronounced among women.
For some types of cancer, the differences were very large. Men who were never married were about two and a half times more likely to develop esophageal cancer, while single women had almost three times the risk of cervical cancer compared to married women.
These two types of cancer are strongly linked to infection with HPV (human papillomavirus), a common virus transmitted through sexual contact that can lead to the development of cancer over time. Researchers suggest that differences in exposure and preventive screening may partly explain this gap.
For other cancers that affect the female reproductive system, the lower risk in married women may also be related to childbirth, which is known to have a protective effect against some forms of cancer.
Meanwhile, the association between marriage and cancer risk was weaker for diseases that have well-structured screening programs, such as breast, thyroid and prostate cancer.
Experts emphasize that these findings do not mean that marriage itself prevents cancer. Lifestyle factors play a big role: people who avoid smoking, excessive alcohol and take care of their health are more likely to be in stable relationships.
Also, the study did not take into account couples who live together without being married – an aspect that requires further study.
In conclusion, the researchers emphasize that marriage is not a "magic shield," but may serve as an important signal for overall cancer risk. This means that single people should pay more attention to risk factors, have regular checkups, and follow a healthy lifestyle.
These findings come at a time when cancer mortality is generally declining, but some forms of it - such as liver, uterine and head and neck cancer - are on the rise, driven by factors such as obesity, alcohol and viral infections. /GazetaExpress/
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