A U.S. study has reviewed more than four million cancer cases.
The results, published in Cancer Research Communications, show differences between people who have been married and those who have never married.
Previous research has shown similar trends, and researchers believe that social conditions may be an important factor in public health, according to Iltalehti, CNN, and Science Alert.
However, it is emphasized that this is not a direct cause, but rather an association.
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Everyday habits
The research indicates that lifestyle may explain part of the difference. Married individuals often have more stable conditions, both financially and socially.
They also tend to have healthier habits. This includes less smoking and lower alcohol consumption, which are known risk factors for several types of cancer.
In addition, a partner may influence whether a person remembers to attend medical checkups and responds to symptoms in time.
Age and risk
The connection is most evident among people over the age of 50, when the general risk of cancer is higher. This suggests that social factors become more significant with age.
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Biological factors may also play a role. For example, women without children have a higher risk of certain types of cancer, which may influence the results.
The study shows that individuals who have never married have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer than those who are or have been married.
Sources: Iltalehti, CNN, Science Alert, and Cancer Research Communications.
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