【Fan Letter】Recently, Xumin (alias)’s mother was diagnosed with early-stage lung cancer, which plunged the entire family into a heavy atmosphere. In order to ensure the health of his family, Xumin decided to help his father also schedule a chest CT scan. However, he did not expect that this decision would change their family’s life.
Mr. Xu has never shown any symptoms of lung cancer. He is a strong and healthy person, with moderate diet control and a regular lifestyle. Shocking news came with the doctor’s diagnosis: his chest CT revealed a 5 cm mass, indicating he is already in the advanced stage of lung cancer. This sudden news shocked and confused the whole family. Why would someone without any symptoms be diagnosed with such a serious illness?
【Doctor’s Reply】In a family, the lifestyle and genetic factors between spouses can influence each other, leading to the joint occurrence of these diseases, including hypertension, high blood sugar, cardiovascular disease, obesity, depression, anxiety, and finally, malignant tumors. And the last one, malignant tumors, need special caution. Studies have found that the closer and more loving the relationship between spouses, the higher the risk of developing malignant tumors. This may be related to shared lifestyle habits, environmental exposure, and genetic inheritance.
In marriage, mutual care and support between spouses are crucial. However, sometimes this relationship may bring some less pleasant “side effects.” Research shows that spouses who live together for a long time are more likely to suffer from similar diseases, which may be related to factors such as their lifestyle, preferences, and medical habits. This article will discuss this theme and focus on seven common diseases, with the last one being cancer, which requires special caution.
1. Health Resonance: Similarity Between Spouses
The similarity between spouses is not only reflected in personality, interests, and family values but also in their health status. Research shows that spouses usually have similarities in lifestyle, diet, exercise, and sleep, all of which can affect their health. Therefore, if a couple resonates in these aspects, they are more likely to suffer from similar health issues simultaneously.
2. Asthma: Shared Risk Between Couples
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness. Studies have found that if one spouse has asthma, the risk of the other spouse also developing asthma increases. This may be related to environmental factors and lifestyle shared between spouses, such as pets at home, smoking habits, and indoor air quality.
3. Depression: Emotional Resonance’s Cost
Depression is a common mental health problem that can affect a person’s emotional state, thinking, and behavior. Research indicates that there is a certain degree of emotional resonance between spouses, and if one spouse has depression, the other is more likely to be affected. This may be due to emotional contagion between spouses or the impact of shared life stressors and challenges on their psychological health.
4. Digestive Ulcers: Influence of Lifestyle and Diet
Digestive ulcers are a disease involving damage to the stomach and duodenal mucosa, leading to abdominal pain, indigestion, and gastric ulcers. Spouses often share similar dietary habits, and if they tend to consume spicy foods, alcohol, or smoke, they both may face the risk of developing digestive ulcers.
5. Cataracts: Impact of Aging Diseases
Cataracts are an age-related eye disease that causes gradual blurring of vision. Studies suggest a certain level of genetic risk between spouses, meaning if one spouse has cataracts, the other is also more likely to be affected. Additionally, living in similar environments and being exposed to similar UV radiation may also increase the risk of cataracts.
6. Diabetes: Interplay of Genetics and Lifestyle
Diabetes is a metabolic disease that can lead to high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and other health issues. Family history and genetic factors play a significant role in the onset of diabetes. Therefore, if one spouse has diabetes, the risk of the other spouse developing it also increases. Additionally, lifestyle factors between spouses, such as dietary and exercise habits, may impact whether they develop diabetes.
7. Cancer: Final Warning
Finally, we must pay special attention to cancer, one of the most serious diseases. Research indicates a certain degree of shared cancer risk between spouses. If one spouse has a type of cancer, the other may also face the risk of developing it. This may be related to genetic factors but also to shared lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and access to healthcare.
The Balance of Care and Caution
While there is a risk of couples sharing diseases, it does not mean we should overly worry or avoid marriage. On the contrary, we can take measures to balance the need for care and caution:
1. Joint Health Focus
Spouses can create a health plan together, including regular check-ups, healthy eating, and exercise, to reduce the risk of shared diseases.
2. Genetic Counseling
If there is a family history or genetic factors increasing the risk of a certain disease, spouses can consider genetic counseling to understand how to reduce the risk of the disease.
3. Support and Understanding
If one spouse is ill, the other should provide support and understanding. Mental health issues particularly require care and support.
4. Healthy Lifestyle
Spouses can make efforts together to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating healthily, and exercising moderately.
5. Seeking Medical Help
If there are any health problems, spouses should seek medical help early, undergo regular check-ups, and ensure diseases receive timely treatment.
In a marital relationship, facing health challenges together is an opportunity for growth and strengthening the bond. Through care, support, and understanding, couples can tackle various health issues together and maintain a healthy, happy life. Therefore, despite some potential “contagion” risks, love and care between spouses remain the most potent medicine.
