Marriage linked to lower risk of cancer
Apr 10, 2026, 6:13 PM
Never-married adults face significantly higher cancer rates than those who have been married, a study published Wednesday in Cancer Research Communications found.
Researchers analyzed eight years of health data from millions of adults 30 and older across 12 states.
Never-married men had 68% higher cancer rates and never-married women 83% higher rates than married, widowed or divorced individuals.
Tobacco-related cancers were more common among the never-married. For women, endometrial and ovarian cancers were also elevated.
Researchers cited healthier behaviors, less tobacco and alcohol use and greater access to preventive care among married people as likely factors.
The findings do not mean marriage prevents cancer, researchers noted.
Married people tend to lean healthier because they have a built in support system reminding you to take care of your screenings and doctor appointments.
“If you’re not married, you should be paying extra attention to cancer risk factors and getting any screenings you may need,” said study author Dr. Frank Penedo of the University of Miami.
Read more about the the studies and the risks here due to environment exposures.
