It turns out that marriage may have a side effect that no one mentions in the vows. People who have been married are less likely to get cancer than those who never got married. This provocative finding has raised questions about what keeps us healthy throughout our lifetime. If marriage is a “protective” factor in the data, does it matter if the couple has been married or if the marriage certificate itself? Or could there be something more important at play? Researchers analyzed cancer diagnoses for more than 4,000,000 adults in 12 US states. This represents a population of more than 100 million people. The researchers focused on cancers that were diagnosed after the age 30 between 2015 and 2020. This was a modern snapshot in an era where same-sex unions are legal across the country, which means more people can marry. Everyone was divided into two groups: those who have been or ever married, including widowed and divorced people, and others who have never married. Researchers found that one in five adults were never married, a large minority whose health is often overlooked in traditional family research. Men who never married are 70% more likely to get cancer than men who have been married. Women who never married are 85% more likely to get cancer than women who have been married. Women appear to benefit at least as much as men in this case, if they don’t gain more. The gap widened with age, particularly after 50 when the effects of decades of habits (smoking and diet, exercise or lack thereof, medical checkups) finally surface. The differences were huge for anal cancer among men and cervical carcinoma in women, two diseases closely associated with infection by the sexually transmitted HPV virus. The rate of anal carcinoma in never-married men was five times higher than that of married men. Story continues below this adNevermarried women were three times more likely to develop cervical cancer. The cancers that are most likely to be prevented by HPV vaccination or regular screening for pre-cancerous changes include cervical cancer and anal cancer.The authors of the study suggest that being married could increase the likelihood that someone will be nudged to attend those appointments or have more stable healthcare and insurance. Elsewhere, this pattern echoed well-known biological themes. Cancers like endometrial cancer and ovarian carcinoma were more common among never-married women. This may be due to lower rates of childbearing.
The differences in cancers that are strongly influenced by organised screen- “breasts, prostates, thyroids” were smaller. Even if someone’s spouse reminds them of their appointments, screening levels the playing field. The study found that black men who were never married had higher cancer rates, but married black men had lower cancer rates. This suggests that marriage may be particularly protective in certain groups. (Freepik). Marriage is not magical. Does this mean that marriage protects us from cancer? Researchers are careful to say that no. The researchers’ study shows a pattern but not proof that marriage is to blame. The real question is if marriage makes people healthier or if healthier, wealthier, and better supported people are simply more inclined to get married. Marriage may not be the cause of cancer, but rather a sign that other benefits begin long before a couple walks down the aisle. There are also other reasons to be cautious. The “ever-married” group lumps together happily married couples with those who have been divorced or widowed despite the fact these experiences can look very differently in practice. Researchers also cannot fully account of differences in incomes, education or accessing healthcare. All of these factors influence cancer risk. The study does, however, point out something important. People who are married or have been are more likely to receive encouragement from their spouse to visit a doctor and share resources, such as health insurance and financial resources. They are also less likely to smoke or avoid medical attention. This is not a health verdict if you have never been married. The study shows that marriage benefits such as social support, gentle “nagging”, easier access to healthcare, and more support for singles, widowed, or those living alone, are not only reserved for those with wedding pictures on their mantelpiece.
Leading oncologist says oral cavity cancer is competing with breast cancer: ‘I would run after them to spit it out’In the end, this study is less a love letter to marriage than a reminder that our bodies are shaped not just by genes and chance, but by the social structures we move through. People who notice that we are unwell, encourage that we book that test, or help us determine if we can afford that advice, may leave traces years later.
