Having a husband or wife increases the cancer patients' chances of survival. This conclusion was made by American scientists after examining data on 800 thousand people. The research results are presented in the journal Cancer, and briefly reported by The Guardian.
Scientists have gained access to the medical records of 393 thousand men and 389 thousand women, residents of California, who in 2000-2009 found one of the ten most deadly types of cancer. The fate of the patients was followed until the end of 2012.
When other factors were taken into account, marriage was found to help both men and women cope with cancer. However, the strength of this effect depends on gender, race, and ethnicity. It was most effective for non-Hispanic white males: bachelors in this group had a 24 percent higher chance of dying of cancer than married women (17 percent for women in the same racial group).
In addition, unmarried and unmarried patients born in India, China and Japan are severely affected by cancer. Scientists admit that when they get to the United States, they drop out of their traditional culture and family values, and become more vulnerable.
The researchers note that now, with fewer and fewer adults getting married, it is important for scientists to understand and explain why married and married people are better able to handle illness - because partners take them to doctors, encourage and comfort, remind them to take medicine, or for other reasons. Finally, spouses can pay attention to dangerous symptoms early and contribute to the early diagnosis of cancer.