NIH

Light daily activity tied to reduced cancer risk

March 27, 2025

A recent NIH study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that daily physical activity, even at light intensities, is associated with a lower risk of cancer. The prospective cohort study included over 85,000 adults in the UK, who wore wrist accelerometers to track their daily activity. Researchers found that individuals with the highest total daily physical activity had a 26% lower risk of developing cancer compared with those with the lowest activity levels. Notably, the number of steps taken daily was more crucial than the intensity of the activity. Participants taking 7,000 steps per day had an 11% lower cancer risk, while those taking 9,000 steps had a 16% lower risk. Beyond 9,000 steps, the risk reduction plateaued. The study underscores the importance of incorporating more walking into daily routines to reduce cancer risk, regardless of the pace.

Source:

(2025, March 26). NIH. Daily physical activity, even at light intensities, linked to lower cancer risk. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/daily-physical-activity-even-light-intensities-linked-lower-cancer-risk