To analyze the relationship between marital status and cancer incidence across various demographics in the United States, emphasizing the role of marital status in cancer risk frameworks.
Key Findings:
Never-married adults had significantly higher cancer incidence than ever-married individuals across nearly all major cancer sites, racial and ethnic groups, and age categories.
Cancer incidence was 68% higher in never-married men and 83% higher in never-married women.
The highest cancer incidence rate was observed in never-married Black men at 1,600.6 per 100,000.
Site-specific differences were notable, with IRRs of 5.04 for anal cancer in men and 2.64 for cervical cancer in women.
Disparities were most pronounced among Black men, with lower incidence in ever-married Black men compared to White men.
Interpretation:
Marital status may serve as a social exposure that reflects cancer risk factors not fully explained by race, age, or socioeconomic status, highlighting its importance in cancer risk assessments.
Limitations:
Legal marital status does not account for cohabitation, relationship quality, or sexual orientation.
Individual-level data on income, parity, smoking, and diet were not available.
The study's findings are associational and do not establish causation.
Conclusion:
Incorporating marital status into cancer surveillance may help identify at-risk populations more accurately, reflecting cumulative behavioral and social exposures.
