Married adults face lower cancer risk than singles, study finds

9 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · Apr 29

A U.S. study of over 4 million cancer cases from 2015-2022 found unmarried men had 68% higher cancer rates and unmarried women 83% higher, with notable differences in preventable cancers like anal and cervical cancer.
Researchers attribute these disparities to greater economic stability, support systems, and healthier behaviors among married individuals, including lower smoking and alcohol use and more engagement in preventive care.
The study highlights that while marriage often brings health benefits, supportive social networks outside marriage can also reduce cancer risk, and not all marriages provide positive health outcomes.

Beyond marriage, what social connections best shield individuals from cancer risk?

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Why are single men five times more likely to develop HPV-related anal cancer?

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