A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that even casual walking can lower cancer risk. Researchers from Oxford University analyzed data from over 85,000 people and discovered that taking just 7,000 steps per day can reduce cancer incidence by 11%. The study also showed that shopping and household chores can have a similar effect.
The key to the study’s findings is not the speed of the walk, but rather the number of steps taken. Those who walked 9,000 steps per day had an even lower risk of developing cancer, with a 16% decrease compared to those taking 5,000 steps per day.
Previous studies have used self-reported exercise data, but this study used wearable activity trackers for more precise data. The researchers found that any level of physical activity contributes to lower cancer risk, including moderate-to-vigorous exercise and light activities such as walking, shopping, and household chores.
Experts agree that the findings support existing guidelines for physical activity and are in line with previous research on the link between physical activity and cancer prevention. Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health, noted that increased metabolic function and decreased inflammation are key to reducing cancer risk through physical activity.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/walking-certain-number-steps-daily-reduces-cancer-risk-oxford-study-finds