Walking Just 7,000 Steps Can Cut Cancer Risk By 16: Study (Image Credits: iStock)
A new study conducted by the University of Oxford has found that daily walking can significantly lower your risk of developing cancer. While exercise is already widely known for its health benefits, this new research zeroes in on the profound impact of something as simple and accessible as walking.
Over 85,000 People Tracked for 6 Years
In this large-scale study, more than 85,000 adults across the UK wore fitness trackers and integrated walking into their routines. The research team followed participants for six years, carefully tracking their daily step counts and corresponding health outcomes. The data revealed a clear and encouraging link between the number of steps walked daily and reduced cancer risk.
How Many Steps Make a Difference?
The study’s results indicated that benefits start appearing once a person walks at least 5,000 steps per day. Below this threshold, there were no measurable advantages. However:
7,000 steps per day reduced cancer risk by 11 per cent
These figures varied slightly between men and women, but the overall pattern was consistent.
Does Walking Speed Matter?
While brisk walking is commonly associated with better health outcomes, the study found that step count mattered more than walking pace in reducing cancer risk. So even if you walk at a leisurely pace, the number of steps you take each day plays a more significant role in cancer prevention.
Other Health Benefits of Walking
1. Improves Heart Health
Walking regularly strengthens the heart and improves circulation. It helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Aids in Weight Management
Brisk walking boosts metabolism and helps burn calories. It supports fat loss, especially around the belly area, and helps maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Enhances Mental Health
Walking triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. It reduces stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression while promoting a sense of well-being.
4. Strengthens Joints and Bones
Regular walking helps lubricate joints and strengthens the muscles that support them. It also maintains bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and arthritis.
5. Improves Sleep Quality
Physical activity like walking promotes deeper, more restful sleep. It helps regulate your natural sleep-wake cycle, especially when done during daylight hours.
6. Boosts Immune Function
Daily walking increases the circulation of immune cells in the body. This strengthens the immune system, making you less susceptible to common illnesses like colds and flu.
