Marriage Linked to Lower Cancer Risk, Study Finds

Unmarried adults have significantly higher rates of cancer compared to married counterparts.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the intricate structure of the human heart and lungs, conveying the fragility and complexity of the body.An X-ray view of the human body reveals the hidden vulnerabilities that may be influenced by one's marital status.Today in Miami

A new study published in Cancer Research Communications found that adults who have never married have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer compared to those who are married. The study analyzed data on over 4 million cancer cases across 12 U.S. states from 2015 to 2022, and discovered a 68% higher cancer risk in unmarried men and 85% higher risk in unmarried women.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that social factors like marital status may serve as important markers of cancer risk at the population level. Researchers say the increased risk among the unmarried was especially pronounced for preventable cancers linked to behaviors like smoking, drinking, and infections.

The details

The study found that for some specific cancer types, the rates were even higher among the unmarried. Unmarried adult men had about five times the rate of anal cancer, while unmarried adult women had nearly three times the rate of cervical cancer. Researchers also discovered that the link between marriage and lower cancer risk was stronger in people over 50, indicating the benefits of marriage may become more pronounced as cancer risk rises with age.

  • The study analyzed data from 2015 to 2022.
  • The findings were published on April 8, 2026.

The players

Paulo Pinheiro

A research professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the lead researcher on the study.

Frank Penedo

The senior researcher on the study and the director of the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute at the University of Miami.

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What they’re saying

“These findings suggest that social factors such as marital status may serve as important markers of cancer risk at the population level.”

— Paulo Pinheiro, Research Professor, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

“It means that if you're not married, you should be paying extra attention to cancer risk factors, getting any screenings you may need, and staying up to date on health care.”

— Frank Penedo, Director, Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute, University of Miami

What’s next

Researchers say the association between marriage status and cancer risk deserves more research to better understand the underlying mechanisms.

The takeaway

This study highlights the potential role of social factors like marital status in shaping cancer risk at the population level, underscoring the importance of targeted cancer prevention strategies that consider an individual's relationship status.