People who have little social contact, especially women, are at an increased risk of developing cancer, concerning new research has found. After adjusting for potentially confounding factors - including existing health conditions, smoking status and mental health - researchers concluded that social isolation is associated with an 8 per cent increased cancer risk. Although loneliness had no significant effect on the overall population, younger individuals, aged 49-years-old and younger, showed decreased cancer risk with loneliness, as did those with a job. Dr Jiahao Cheng, study first author, said: 'Our study shows that while social isolation and loneliness may be conceptually related, the play distinct and independent roles in cancer incidence. They concluded: 'To reduce cancer risk, addressing social isolation and loneliness directly is crucial, as well as developing effective preventive strategies to mitigate the effects of potential mediating factors.'

Source: Daily Mail March 04, 2026 17:40 UTC