If one of them has it, the other half should go for a check-up as soon as possible!
Imagine you and your partner enjoying retirement and planning for the future together. However, during a routine health check-up, your loved one was diagnosed with lung cancer. This news is enough to turn anyone's world upside down in an instant. But what's even more shocking is that the doctor recommends that you get tested as well, as you are also at high risk. This is not a pure coincidence, but a deadly link that may be hidden in your shared habits and circumstances.
This phenomenon is informally known in medicine as "couple cancer". Although there is no direct genetic link, years of living together, eating habits, and lifestyles significantly increase the likelihood that couples will develop the same type of cancer. This finding not only reveals an important dimension in cancer research, but also highlights the need for preventive measures, especially in our intimate relationships.
Today, we're going to take a deep dive into four common "couples cancers," reveal their main risk factors, and provide practical testing recommendations and preventive measures to help you and your partner build a healthier future together.
Analysis of cancer types and correlations
Exposure to common risk factors: the incidence of comorbidity in couples with lung cancer
The comorbidity rate of lung cancer may be higher in couples than in other cancers, mainly because the main risk factors for lung cancer, such as smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, are often shared between couples. Studies have shown that non-smokers who live with smokers have a significantly increased risk of lung cancer. In addition, long-term living in an environment with high levels of air pollution may also increase the likelihood of illness for both couples. Therefore, after one spouse is diagnosed, the other spouse should also have a CT scan of the lungs to rule out or detect lung cancer early.
Inflammation and Cancer: Lifestyle Triggers for Esophageal Cancer
The occurrence of esophageal cancer is related to a variety of lifestyle habits, especially dietary habits. Regular consumption of hot foods and a diet high in salt and fat can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Couples sharing the same diet can lead to both partners being exposed to these risk factors. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption is also an important cause of esophageal cancer. It is recommended that couples work together to adjust their eating habits, reduce the intake of high-risk foods, and have regular esophagoscopy.
Potential source of infection: common risk factors for gastric cancer
Stomach cancer is associated with a variety of factors, including long-term high salt intake and Helicobacter pylori infection. Couples may share these risk factors because they share the same diet for long periods of time. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that can be transmitted through saliva exchange and can occur between couples by sharing utensils. Regular stomach health screenings, such as gastroscopy, are recommended, especially if there are early symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain.
Hidden Concerns of Virus Transmission: Double Vigilance for Liver Cancer
Liver cancer is often associated with viral hepatitis, particularly types B and C. These viruses can be transmitted through bloodstream and sexual contact, and the risk of transmission between couples is relatively high. Therefore, if one partner is diagnosed with viral hepatitis, the other party should also undergo viral screening and liver health screening. Maintaining personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes and razors, is an effective measure to prevent transmission within the home. At the same time, regular liver function tests and liver ultrasounds are recommended.
These analyses and recommendations are aimed at raising awareness of the potential risk of cancer in the couple's living environment and reducing the incidence of cancer through specific preventive measures and regular check-ups.
Early Screening, Early Treatment: A health care program for you and your loved ones
When one partner is diagnosed with cancer, the other parent should also be vigilant and take precautions. This is not only a common defense against disease, but also a manifestation of family responsibility. The following are specific test recommendations for several types of cancer known as "couple's cancer":
Lung cancer screening
Why it matters: Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates worldwide. Even non-smokers may be at increased risk from long-term exposure to secondhand smoke or harmful substances.
Recommendations: A low-dose CT scan is recommended for people who smoke or have been exposed to secondhand smoke for a long time. This scan can detect small lesions in the lungs early and allow for early treatment.
Esophageal cancer surveillance
Why it matters: Esophageal cancer is closely linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and hot food.
Test recommendations: If symptoms such as acid reflux and dysphagia are frequent, esophageal endoscopy should be considered to look for abnormalities inside the esophagus.
Prevention of stomach cancer
Why it matters: Stomach cancer is associated with unhealthy eating habits (such as excessive salt intake and preserved foods) and chronic Helicobacter pylori infection.
Examination recommendation: Regular gastroscopy is recommended, especially for people with stomach discomfort and indigestion symptoms. In addition, Helicobacter pylori testing can be performed and infection should be treated as soon as it is detected.
Liver cancer screening
Why it matters: Liver cancer is mostly associated with viral hepatitis (B or C). Partners who live with an infected person are at significantly higher risk of infection.
Recommended tests: Regular liver function tests and hepatitis virus screening. If hepatitis virus infection is known, further imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan can be used to monitor liver health.
These tests not only help detect potential health problems early, but also provide an opportunity for couples to fight illness together. Health management should be a priority for every family. By taking proactive health screening measures, we can significantly reduce the impact of illness and safeguard the well-being and health of our families.