There’s a popular belief that people who commit heinous acts—murderers, terrorists, and child abusers—will eventually face “cosmic justice” through suffering from serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease. While this idea can be comforting, providing a sense of balance in an often-chaotic world, the reality is much more complex. Though it may feel like poetic justice, there’s no scientific evidence to support a causal link between criminal actions and these specific health conditions. Let’s dive into why this perception exists, what science says about disease, and how factors like lifestyle, stress, and psychology can influence health outcomes.

The Appeal of “Cosmic Justice”

The idea that “what goes around comes around” is a theme present in most cultures. People naturally want to believe that harmful actions result in consequences, even if they’re not delivered by the justice system. This is why many people may feel that serious health issues are “deserved” by those who’ve hurt others. But this belief, known as just-world bias, is more about human psychology than any factual connection.

In reality, the development of chronic illnesses like cancer or heart disease is not influenced by morality but by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Here’s a look at why those involved in crime might seem to face a higher incidence of health issues.

1. Stress and Lifestyle Choices

Many people involved in high-stress environments, regardless of whether they’re associated with criminal behavior, are at an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other serious health issues. Studies show that chronic stress, especially when compounded by risky lifestyle choices, weakens the immune system, potentially leading to diseases.

Criminals often live with high levels of stress, whether from evading capture, living with constant fear, or dealing with trauma. Many engage in substance abuse, poor diet, lack of exercise, and other habits that increase their vulnerability to heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. So, while their behavior doesn’t “cause” disease, the associated stress and lifestyle factors certainly contribute.

2. High-Risk Environments and Limited Access to Healthcare

Many individuals involved in criminal behavior come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds where healthcare access is limited, health education is lacking, and exposure to harmful substances is higher. These high-risk environments make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle, increasing the likelihood of chronic illnesses.

Socioeconomic status is a powerful predictor of health outcomes. People from disadvantaged backgrounds, regardless of whether they engage in criminal activities, are at a higher risk of diseases due to factors like lack of nutritious food, greater pollution, and limited medical care. This reality underscores how lifestyle and environmental factors, rather than actions or morals, heavily influence health.

3. Incarceration and Its Health Impact

Once convicted, criminals often end up in prisons, environments that present additional health risks. Prisons can be breeding grounds for contagious diseases, and limited access to preventive healthcare can worsen inmates’ long-term health. The combination of a high-stress, low-autonomy environment and lack of adequate medical care increases the incidence of conditions like heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses among inmates.

Additionally, chronic stress in prison has been shown to accelerate aging and the onset of age-related illnesses. While this does not indicate a “karmic punishment,” it demonstrates how institutional settings can impact the health of those incarcerated.

4. Genetic and Psychological Factors

Interestingly, some research suggests that the same genetic or psychological traits that contribute to impulsivity, aggression, or antisocial behavior may also be linked to a predisposition toward stress-related health issues. For instance, people prone to high-stress responses are often more likely to suffer from conditions exacerbated by stress, such as hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers.

These overlapping traits are sometimes viewed through a psychological and biological lens rather than a moral one. Some individuals may be biologically predisposed to higher levels of stress or emotional reactivity, which, combined with a high-stress lifestyle, can lead to earlier onset of disease.

5. Survivorship Bias: Seeing Patterns Where None Exist

Another reason people may believe criminals suffer more illnesses is that we’re more likely to remember stories of notorious criminals suffering from health issues. If we see a headline about a convicted criminal who has died of cancer or suffered a heart attack, we may unconsciously file it away as proof of cosmic justice. This is an example of survivorship bias, where we notice the stories that confirm our beliefs while ignoring the ones that don’t.

People from all walks of life suffer from cancer, heart disease, and other chronic illnesses, regardless of their moral character. However, we tend to remember these occurrences in high-profile cases because they resonate with our desire for justice.

So, Is There Any Truth to “Karmic” Illness?

While there’s no evidence that diseases like cancer and heart disease punish people for wrongdoing, the factors that contribute to a life of crime—such as high stress, poor lifestyle choices, and low access to healthcare—also increase the likelihood of chronic illness. So while it may look like “cosmic” or “karmic” justice, it’s more a matter of lifestyle, stress, and systemic factors at play.

Conclusion: Real Justice Is Not About Disease

Ultimately, it’s comforting to believe that the universe enforces some sort of cosmic justice, but diseases like cancer and heart disease do not discriminate based on morality. Chronic illnesses develop due to a variety of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors, not because of the actions a person has taken. This understanding can lead us to compassion and recognition that complex social, economic, and psychological factors often shape an individual’s actions and health.

The real takeaway is that diseases are not moral judgments. Real justice comes from human efforts to create safe and fair societies and to provide support and care that enable healthy lives for everyone, regardless of background.