Daily Physical Activity, Even Light, Linked to Lower Cancer Risk, NIH Study Finds

A recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the University of Oxford has found that engaging in daily physical activity, even at light intensities, can significantly lower the risk of developing cancer. The findings, published on March 26, 2025, in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed data from over 85,000 adults in the United Kingdom and highlighted the importance of total daily steps over activity intensity in reducing cancer risk.

The study was part of the UK Biobank project, where participants, with a median age of 63, wore wrist accelerometers to measure total daily activity, intensity levels, and step count over a one-week period. Researchers from NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) analyzed the data to evaluate the relationship between physical activity and the incidence of 13 different types of cancer, including breast and colorectal cancer. Over an average follow-up period of 5.8 years, 2,633 participants were diagnosed with one of these cancers. The study found that individuals with the highest levels of daily physical activity had a 26% lower risk of developing cancer compared to those with the lowest levels of activity.

Replacing sedentary time with light- or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was associated with a noticeable reduction in cancer risk. The associations remained consistent even after adjusting for factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and other health conditions. Importantly, the study revealed that the number of steps taken daily was more closely linked to cancer risk reduction than the intensity or pace of the steps. Individuals taking 7,000 steps per day had an 11% lower cancer risk compared to those taking 5,000 steps, while taking 9,000 steps per day was associated with a 16% lower risk. However, the risk reduction plateaued beyond 9,000 steps.

The findings emphasize that incorporating more movement, regardless of intensity, into daily routines may help reduce cancer risk. Researchers suggest that less active individuals may benefit from gradually increasing their daily steps and engaging in light activities such as household chores or running errands. This study underscores the importance of even small increases in physical activity for cancer prevention and overall health.

The study, titled “Amount and intensity of daily total physical activity, step count and risk of incident cancer in the UK Biobank,” was led by Alaina Shreves, M.S., from the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics at NCI and the Nuffield Department of Population Health at the University of Oxford. The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of NIH, continues to lead efforts in cancer research, prevention, and treatment through its wide range of studies and clinical programs.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the National Cancer Institute and University of Oxford.

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