Certain cancers can lead to divorce

Cervical or testicular cancers can have a greater negative impact on a marriage in comparison with other types of the disease, it has been claimed.

Norwegian researchers are reported to have said that divorce rates among couples are higher when these forms of cancer are contracted by either partner.

Findings presented at this week's European Cancer Conference in Barcelona revealed a 70 per cent increase in the likelihood of a divorce among 20-year-old women with cervical cancer, a risk that fell to 19 per cent among 60-year-olds.

Meanwhile testicular cancer recorded a 34 per cent increased risk for 20-year-olds and a 16 per cent increase among couples affected by the disease at the age of 60.

Norwegian Cancer Registry lead researcher Astri Syse believes that the two types of cancer affect the level of intimacy and decrease sexual activity within a marriage, which can lead to emotional problems and even divorce.

"Sexual problems or a weakening of the emotional rewards from the union are particularly devastating early in a relationship," he added.

Meanwhile, recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures reveal the divorce rate in England and Wales to be its lowest for 22 years with men and women in their 20s the most likely to divorce compared to other age groups, the BBC reports.