A new study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, examined the impact of marital status on the stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis, therapeutic choices, and cancer-specific mortality.  The researchers examined the link with respect to each of the 10 leading causes of cancer-related deaths.  Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program the researchers identified 1,260,898 patients diagnosed in 2004 through 2008 with lung, colorectal, breast, pancreatic, prostate, liver/intrahepatic bile duct, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, head/neck, ovarian, or esophageal cancers.  The researchers performed a statistical analysis of 734,889 patients who had clinical and follow-up information available.

The results showed that married patients were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with the disease when it was already in the metastatic stage, significantly more likely to receive life-saving therapy, and significantly less likely to die from the cancer.  Analyzing each individual cancer, these associations remained statistically significant.  For men, the benefits associated with marital status were greater than that for women.  Researchers note that this study highlights the potentially significant impact that social support can have on cancer detection, treatment, and survival.

According to an analysis of the study in the Boston Globe, patients who were divorced, widowed, or never married were 17 percent more likely to have been diagnosed with disease that had spread to other organs and were 53 percent less likely to receive potentially lifesaving treatments.  Marital status serves as a proxy for estimating social support, which existing literature suggests could buffer the harmful effects of stress that are associated with life-threatening diseases.  Married patients might also have more tangible medical support like a partner to drive them to medical appointments or remind them to take their medications.  This type of support helps them receive and adhere to necessary treatment regimens.  For example, certain types of cancer require daily radiation for seven weeks.  A marital partner may be more able or more willing to support the patient through the treatment.

Commentary about the study notes that the results should be taken with caution.  More research is needed to determine whether marriage, or any other close emotional partnership, really does improve outcomes in cancer patients.  Future research may show that a patient can get the same benefits from a sibling, a parent, or a really close friend.  Without such research, they cannot conclude that there is something about a marital relationship specifically that would provide someone with access to better care than a live-in romantic partner outside of marital relationship.