Conference Abstracts - Summit on Cancer Health Disparities (SCHD26)
Vol. 6, Issue Supplement 1, 2026 · S1-2
Impact of Marital Status on Breast Cancer–Specific Survival: A SEER-Based Analysis
Nayanika Tummala, MD,Madho Mal, MD,Twinkle Sonia, MBBS,Shiwani Keswani, MBBS,Inshal Jawed, MBBS,Chatla sai sutheertha, MBBS,Rakshit Singh Saini, MBBS,Ira Gupta, MBBS
Submission received: 2025-12-14 / Accepted: 2026-01-07 / Published: 2026-01-28
Abstract
Background
Marital status is a known social determinant of health and may influence cancer outcomes through psychosocial, financial, and treatment-support mechanisms. However, its impact on breast cancer–specific mortality among patients with metastatic bone involvement remains incompletely understood. This study evaluated the association between marital status and breast cancer–specific survival using a nationally representative cohort.
Methods
We extracted data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for breast cancer patients with bone metastases diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. Survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan–Meier curves stratified by marital status (Married, Single, Divorced, Widowed, Separated, Unmarried/Domestic Partner). Differences were compared using the log-rank test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was performed adjusting for age, race, tumor grade, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Results
A total of 6,046 eligible patients were included. Marital status was significantly associated with breast cancer–specific survival (log-rank p < 0.0001). Married patients had the highest survival probability, whereas widowed patients demonstrated the poorest outcomes throughout follow-up. Compared with married individuals, widowed patients showed the greatest increase in breast cancer mortality. Single, divorced, and separated patients exhibited intermediate survival curves. After multivariate adjustment, marital status remained an independent prognostic factor.
Conclusions
Marital status is a strong predictor of breast cancer–specific survival in patients with bone metastases. Married individuals have a survival advantage, while widowed patients represent a particularly vulnerable group with significantly worse outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial support, caregiver assistance, and targeted interventions for socially isolated patients in metastatic breast cancer care.