Daily walks and light activities lower cancer risk without intense exercise
Exercise is a well-known way to reduce the risk of cancer, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hit the gym or go for long runs. A recent study led by researchers at Oxford University has found that even casual walking and other light-intensity activities can significantly lower the incidence of cancer.
The study revealed that the number of steps taken per day is more important than the pace of the walk. Those who walked 7,000 steps per day had an 11% lower cancer risk compared to those taking 5,000 steps per day. The risk was even lower at 16% for those taking 9,000 steps per day.
According to the Oxford Centre for Early Cancer Detection, activities like shopping and doing household chores have also been shown to reduce cancer risk. Overall, individuals who engaged in higher levels of daily physical activity were 26% less likely to develop cancer compared to those with lower levels of activity.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed data from 85,394 participants in the UK Biobank, with an average age of 63. They then tracked future cancer diagnoses in 2,633 participants over nearly six years. Unlike previous studies that relied on self-reported exercise, this study used data from wearable activity trackers for more precise results.
Dr. Aiden Doherty, the senior author of the study and a professor at Oxford Population Health, emphasized the importance of all forms of movement in reducing cancer risk. He stated, “Whether it’s increasing daily steps, engaging in light activity, or incorporating moderate-to-vigorous exercise, any level of physical activity appears to contribute to lower cancer risk.”
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, pointed out that cancer is linked to inflammation, which is associated with sedentary behavior. He added that all types of activity, including walking, can improve metabolic function and reduce inflammation.
The study involved collaboration with experts from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute. Funding for the study was provided by the National Institutes of Health’s Intramural Research Program and the NIH’s Oxford Cambridge Scholars Program.
In conclusion, the research supports the idea that simple activities like walking can have a significant impact on reducing cancer risk. It highlights the importance of incorporating movement into daily routines, no matter how light or moderate. For more health-related articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
