Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Oxford have found that engaging in daily physical activity—even at light intensities—can lower the risk of cancer. Their study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed data from over 85,000 adults in the UK Biobank, with participants wearing wrist accelerometers to measure activity levels and step counts. The study is among the first to highlight the benefits of light activities such as running errands or household chores for reducing cancer risk.
Key findings include:
- Lower Cancer Risk with Daily Activity: Individuals with the highest total daily activity had a 26% lower risk of developing cancer compared to those who were least active. Even replacing sedentary time with light or moderate-to-vigorous activity reduced cancer risk.
- Step Counts Matter: Higher daily step counts were linked to reduced cancer risk, regardless of walking pace. For example:
- Taking 7,000 steps daily lowered cancer risk by 11% compared to those taking 5,000 steps.
- Taking 9,000 steps daily lowered risk by 16%, with benefits plateauing beyond this.
- Light Activities Are Effective: Activities like casual walking, shopping, or cleaning provide measurable health benefits. This is particularly encouraging for individuals who may find vigorous exercise challenging.
The study underscores the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines to reduce cancer risk. Simple changes like walking more or performing light household chores can make a significant difference according to the results of this study.
Reference:
Shreves AH, Small SR, Walmsley R, et al. Amount and intensity of daily total physical activity, step count and risk of incident cancer in the UK Biobank. Br J Sports Med. March 26, 2025. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109360.
Adapted from https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/press-releases/2025/light-intensity-physical-activity-cancer-risk?cid=eb_govdel
