A large-scale study reveals that never marrying significantly increases cancer risk, challenging assumptions about health and relationships. Men who have never married face a 70% higher risk of developing cancer compared to those who are married. Women in the same category have an 85% higher risk.
Key findings:
- Men who have never married are five times more likely to develop anal cancer.
- Women who have never married are nearly three times more likely to develop cervical cancer.
- The link between marital status and cancer risk strengthens with age, especially for those over 50.
This study challenges prevailing notions about the health benefits of marriage. It shows that marital status can impact health outcomes significantly. Belle Burden’s memoir, “Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage,” discusses her life before and after her marriage, including the effects of divorce on her well-being.
Burden’s husband left her after 20 years of marriage due to an affair. She reflects on how social support systems differ for married and unmarried individuals. The memoir has been a bestseller since January 2023.
The findings underscore the potential health risks associated with being unmarried. Researchers emphasize the importance of social support in mitigating these risks. Yet, further studies may be needed to explore the underlying causes behind these statistics.
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