Marriage health benefits declining as rates fall
Declining marriage rates may lead to some individuals missing out on potential health benefits associated with matrimony, according to research published recently. The study suggests that being married could be linked to a lower risk of cancer, adding to existing evidence that marriage is associated with better health outcomes, reports BritPanorama.
Dr. Andrew J. Cherlin, a professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins University, comments on the societal shift, noting that “it’s almost as if we split into two different societies.” Among never-married men, cancer rates are 68% higher than those who have been married, a statistic that rises to 83% for women who have never married.
Dr. Brad Wilcox, a marriage researcher from the University of Virginia, emphasizes the importance of marriage for women, stating, “When it comes to getting cancer, putting a ring on it may offer more protection to women.” This finding challenges conventional notions about marital benefits, particularly those that suggest men gain more from marriage than women.
The study authors propose that various factors are likely responsible for these trends, particularly in cancers where reproductive history plays a role. Women without children, for example, face greater risks for certain cancers such as endometrial and ovarian cancer.
Observational study reveals deeper implications
In older adults, the study indicates that the protective effects of marriage may strengthen over time. Dr. Paulo S. Pinheiro, the lead author of the study, notes that the benefits of marriage “accumulate” and are significant for specific demographics, including Black men, who appear to gain the most from marital relationships.
Dr. Jarrod A. Carrol, a geriatrician at Kaiser Permanente, highlights the critical role that Black women play in supporting their families, stating that they encourage their partners to seek prompt treatment and evaluations, showcasing the social dynamics within marriages.
While marriage typically provides benefits such as access to healthcare and social support, the ongoing debate persists over whether healthy individuals are more likely to marry or if marriage itself contributes to better health outcomes. This study suggests that marriage is strongly linked to lower risky health behaviors, which may correlate with lower rates of certain cancers, including lung and cervical cancers.
Moreover, unmarried individuals may encounter barriers to health services, as noted by Pinheiro, who argues that increased isolation can hinder their engagement in preventative care or screenings.
Critiques and personal experiences
Despite the prevailing view on marriage benefits, Dr. Joan DelFattore offers a critical perspective, arguing that these advantages often reflect sociocultural biases that favour marriage. DelFattore posits that such biases can affect the quality of care singles receive, citing personal experiences during her battle with stage IV gallbladder cancer.
DelFattore recounts an interaction with her oncologist, who presumed that she lacked the social support necessary for aggressive treatment. She believes this assumption was rooted in the societal narrative that equates marital status with social support. “There is this assumption that there is a stark dichotomy between being married and being on your own,” she states.
As the conversation around marriage and health continues to evolve, both DelFattore and Pinheiro advocate for a greater focus on supporting unmarried individuals rather than pushing for higher marriage rates. Building robust support networks is crucial, as these relationships can parallel the benefits typically attributed to marriage.
“The neighbor might very well help you into the shower,” DelFattore emphasizes. This underscores the potential of non-marital forms of support to provide necessary care and assistance equivalent to that found within marriage.
