Walking is a common habit we’ve all been told since childhood can improve our health. But did you know that regular walking can reduce the risk of cancer, not just diabetes or high blood pressure?

A recent study from Oxford University found that individuals who walk regularly have a significantly lower risk of developing cancer.

The research surveyed approximately 85,000 people over six years.

The study revealed that walking an average of 7,000 steps daily reduces the risk of cancer by about 11%. This risk drops by 16% when walking 9,000 steps. However, researchers noted that walking more than 9,000 steps did not provide any additional benefit.

Participants in the survey were given fitness trackers to monitor how much and at what speed they walked. It was observed that the faster the walking pace, the greater the benefit.

However, it’s not just speed; simply walking benefits the body. While brisk walking is beneficial, even slow walking helps prevent cancer.

Researchers explained that walking, like other forms of exercise, helps maintain hormonal balance. When the body’s hormonal balance is stable, the risk of cancer cell growth significantly decreases.

This research comes at a time when many countries, including America, are struggling with rising rates of obesity and cancer. In this context, a simple habit like walking being effective in preventing cancer undoubtedly offers a ray of hope.

The study provided detailed information on 13 types of cancer, including:

Throat, liver, lung, kidney, stomach, uterus, myeloid leukemia, myeloma, colon, oral-pharyngeal, rectal, bladder, and breast cancer.

Among men, colon, rectal, and lung cancers were most commonly observed. Among women, breast, colon, uterine, and lung cancers were more prevalent.

Experts suggest that walking 30 minutes a day is sufficient. You can choose to walk continuously or break it up throughout the day, for instance, 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the evening, and 10 minutes after dinner. This approach will also be beneficial; consistency is key.

Many believe that exercise means spending hours at the gym. However, this study demonstrates that simply walking is enough—and it’s free and risk-free.

Making small changes to your daily routine can significantly improve your health. Instead of sitting on your bed with your phone, take a short walk. Use the stairs instead of the elevator.

Pace around a bit instead of sitting still during work breaks at the office. These small habits can prevent major problems in the future. A smart lifestyle doesn’t mean expensive diets or exercises—a smart decision means regular walking!