Not just luck: The study that explains why married people get cancer less often

The surprising connection between relationships and health: A large-scale American study found that people who have never married are at a higher risk of developing cancer, compared to those who are married or were married in the past. This is one of the largest studies in the field, based on data from more than 100 million people, including over four million who were diagnosed with cancer between 2015 and 2022.

Researchers from the University of Miami sought to examine a basic question that has barely been studied in depth until now: Does the mere fact of being married affect the risk of developing cancer? Until now, most studies have focused on the impact of marriage on survival after diagnosis, not on the risk of developing the disease in the first place.

The results were unequivocal: People who have never married showed higher incidence rates in almost all types of cancer. Among men who have never married, the risk was about 70% higher compared to married men, and among women who have never married, the risk was about 85% higher compared to married women or those who were married in the past.

In some types of cancer, the gaps were especially dramatic. Men who have never married were five times more likely to develop anal cancer, and women who have never married were nearly three times more likely to develop cervical cancer. The researchers note that these types of cancer are often linked to infections such as HPV, and therefore the differences may stem from different exposure to risk factors or gaps in adherence to screening tests.

In addition, a link was also found to cancers associated with smoking, alcohol, and lifestyle habits. This means that the connection between marriage and health does not necessarily stem from the institution itself, but from the lifestyle that accompanies it. Married people tend to smoke less, adhere more to medical checkups, and comply better with treatments.

It was also found that the link between marital status and cancer risk strengthens with age. Above the age of 50, the gaps become more pronounced, suggesting a cumulative effect of risk factors over the years.

The researchers emphasize an important point: This does not mean that marriage protects against cancer, and there is no medical recommendation to marry in order to reduce risk. This is only a statistical association, which likely reflects differences in lifestyle habits, social support, and access to healthcare services.

Another aspect that emerges from the study is the role of social support. Married people usually benefit from a close support circle that helps with early detection of symptoms, encourages seeking medical care, and maintains continuity of treatment. In contrast, people who live alone may delay tests or neglect early signs.

However, the study has limitations. It did not include people who are in relationships without marriage, a group that is growing in the Western world. In addition, it is not possible to rule out the possibility that people with healthier lifestyles are also those who tend to marry in the first place.

The main conclusion of the researchers is not a call for marriage, but a call for awareness. People who are not married should be especially diligent about screening tests, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and ongoing medical follow-up. At the same time, healthcare systems may consider adapting targeted prevention programs for different population groups, including by marital status.