This new study by Oxford researchers suggests that everyday physical activities, such as casual walking and performing household chores, can play a crucial role in reducing cancer risk. The study, which followed 85,394 people in the UK Biobank, found that those who took around 9,000 steps daily had a 16% lower cancer risk compared to those who took 5,000 steps per day. This finding underscores the importance of integrating movement into one’s daily routine, regardless of the intensity, as even light activities can contribute to significant health benefits.
Lead author Aiden Doherty, a professor at the Oxford Population Health, emphasized that all forms of physical activity, including walking and light-intensity exercises, contribute to lower cancer risk. The study’s use of wearable activity trackers to collect data was particularly innovative, as it allowed for more precise measurements of physical activity compared to self-reported methods. This approach enhances the reliability of the data and provides a clearer picture of the relationship between daily movement and cancer risk reduction.
Additionally, the study found that participants who engaged in the highest levels of daily physical activity had a 26% lower risk of developing cancer compared to those with the lowest levels of activity, after adjusting for factors such as BMI and other health conditions. Experts such as Dr. Marc Siegel, a medical analyst at NYU Langone Health, noted that physical activity helps reduce inflammation, which is a known factor in the development of cancer. Siegel’s comments highlight the broader implications of the study, suggesting that these findings align with previous research and provide further support for physical activity as a preventive measure.
The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, involved collaborations with experts from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, indicating a multidisciplinary approach to understanding cancer prevention. The study’s funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health’s Intramural Research Program and the Oxford Cambridge Scholars Program, reflecting the significant resources invested in health research. These findings not only contribute to the scientific understanding of cancer prevention but also offer practical guidance for individuals looking to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.