Marital Status and Colon Cancer Stage at Diagnosis

This study evaluated the association between marital status and colon cancer survival in SEER cancer registrants to determine if the survival benefit of married patients is due to earlier stage at diagnosis. The adjusted analysis that included stage at diagnosis showed 23% higher risk of death in single patients compared to married patients, which decreased from 28% in the unadjusted analysis. Unmarried patients were more likely to be diagnosed in later stages with adjusted odds ratios for single of 1.11 [95% CI: 1.06-1.16]. Married patients were more likely to be diagnosed at earlier stages, suggesting increased use of screening programs. The survival benefit for married patients compared to unmarried decreased when stage was controlled, suggesting marital status is associated with survival through its impact on stage.