Should you have said “I do”? Maybe — marriage may be tied to a lower cancer risk

Marriage has been a central part of human society for centuries, but today fewer people are choosing to marry. According to new research, that shift could have implications for health, including cancer risk.

A recent study published in Cancer Research Communications suggests that people who have never married face significantly higher cancer rates compared to those who have been married at some point. Specifically, never-married men show a 68% higher cancer incidence, while the figure rises to 83% for never-married women.

Experts note that this challenges the common belief that men benefit more from marriage than women. In fact, the findings indicate that women may gain even greater protective effects.

Researchers believe the reasons are complex. In women, part of the explanation may be biological: those who have not had children face increased risks for certain cancers, such as ovarian and endometrial cancer. In addition, marriage often provides long-term advantages like emotional support, shared resources, and better access to healthcare.

The protective effect of marriage also appears to grow stronger with age, suggesting that its benefits accumulate over time.

Social factors play a major role as well. Married individuals are generally less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, excessive drinking, or unsafe sexual practices — all of which are linked to higher cancer risk. They are also more likely to undergo regular medical screenings and preventive care.

However, some experts caution against oversimplifying the connection. Critics argue that the observed benefits may reflect social systems that favor married people — for example, through better access to health insurance — rather than marriage itself.

There are also concerns about bias in medical care. Studies show that unmarried cancer patients often experience worse outcomes, potentially due to assumptions about their lack of support systems.

Specialists emphasize that strong social networks — including friends, relatives, and community — can be just as effective as a spouse in providing care and support. Moving forward, researchers say more attention should be given to ensuring that unmarried individuals receive equal support and access to healthcare.

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