Walking Speed as a Key Indicator for Reduced Lung Cancer Risk

A significant study conducted by researchers at the University of Hong Kong’s LKS Faculty of Medicine has unveiled a compelling link between walking speed and the risk of developing cancer, especially lung cancer. The research analyzed data from over 430,000 participants in the UK Biobank and validated the findings with a Hong Kong cohort. The results indicate that individuals who walk faster are associated with a notably lower overall cancer risk, regardless of whether they self-report their walking pace or undergo objective measurement.

The large-scale prospective cohort study emphasizes that the quality of walking—specifically speed—may be more influential for cancer prevention than the mere amount of walking. Walking speed, recognized as a quick and reliable gauge of physical health, correlates with age-related diseases like cardiovascular issues, dementia, and mortality. The research highlights that faster walkers displayed lower levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein and white blood cell count, alongside healthier lipid profiles including reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, all contributing to a decreased risk of cancer.

The study’s findings reveal that fast walkers in the UK had a 13% lower overall risk of cancer, while those in Hong Kong experienced up to a 45% reduction. Most notably, lung cancer risk dropped by as much as 53% among fast walkers, suggesting that increased walking speed may support respiratory health and serve as a protective factor.

Professor Cheung Ching-lung from HKUMed states that walking speed provides a quick assessment of physical function and health resilience. The research proposes that health professionals can leverage this simple measure to identify individuals at higher risk of cancer and develop personalized prevention strategies. The study also indicates that lower inflammation and improved lipid metabolism among fast walkers might partly explain their reduced cancer risk.

Although observational, the study's extensive follow-up periods—median of over 10 years in the UK and nearly 7 years in Hong Kong—and diverse ethnic populations bolster the credibility of these insights. These findings encourage health initiatives promoting purposeful walking to improve overall health and reduce cancer incidence. Future research could explore whether walking faster can aid cancer recovery or decrease the risk among existing patients.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-fast-linked-lung-cancer-simple.html