Research
Mixed
Engaging in a minimum of 2.5 hours per week of moderate-intensity recreational physical activity significantly reduces cancer mortality in the general population.
Aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity each week, such as brisk walking. This level of activity is sufficient to significantly lower your risk of dying from cancer. You do not need to perform vigorous exercise to gain this benefit.
StrongSupportsHIGH confidence
In the general population, a minimum of 2.5 h/week of moderate-intensity activity led to a significant 13% reduction in cancer mortality.
Why this rating
Meta-analysis of 71 prospective cohort studies with large sample sizes (millions of participants).
Source
The dose–response effect of physical activity on cancer mortality: findings from 71 prospective cohort studies
Tingting Li et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2015
DOI 10.1136/bjsports-2015-094927
Meta-analysis · 71 studiesCited 286×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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