Childless women are 72 per cent more likely to die of cancer than mothers, research suggests. So that’s fun.
Scientists followed one per cent of England and Wales’ population over 50 years and came to the conclusion that child free women were considerably more likely to die of cancer as a result of their single lifestyle.
The researchers believe ‘clear behavioural changes’ take place when you start a family, including drinking less and not staying out late, which may protect against cancer.
So far there doesn’t seem to be an answer to the question ‘why does staying out late for fun give you cancer, but sleep deprivation from having kids doesn’t?’
The research was carried out by The University of Klagenfurt, Austria, and led by Professor Paul Schweinzer, from the department of economics.
The scientists analysed data on parental status, marital status and salary from the Office for National Statistics Longitudinal Study.
Mothers also have half the risk of dying from infectious diseases or non mothers.
The researchers concluded this might be because of the ‘parental co-immunisation hypothesis’ – AKA your kids boosting your immune system by exposing you to all kinds of new germs.
So, becoming a parent might well extend your life expectancy.
That said, some of those who’ve spent the day babysitting a toddler might argue that they’d rather take their chances on the disease front.
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