Keeping it in the family: the impact of marital status and next of kin on cancer treatment and survival

Abstract

Background: This study examines the impact of marriage and next of kin identity on timing of diagnosis, treatment, and survival in cancer patients.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients with 5 solid tumor types treated at an academic medical center from 2002 to 2012. Exposures of interest were marriage status at time of diagnosis and familial relationship with next of kin (NOK). Association with overall survival determined via Cox regressions and with early diagnosis (stage I to II) and receipt of surgery via logistic regressions.

Results: Marriage was not associated with early diagnosis for any cancer type. After adjustment, being married was associated with significantly higher odds of receiving surgery only for pancreatic cancer and with improved survival for breast and lung cancers. Having a nuclear relationship with NOK was not associated with any outcomes.

Conclusions: Marriage status was associated with improved outcomes for certain cancers whereas familial relationship with NOK was not.

Keywords: Cancer; Marriage; Outcomes; Social connectedness; Survival.