HKUMed study highlights that walking speed is an important marker of physiological resilience related to cancer risk. Pictured are Professor Cheung Ching-lung (right) and Dr Jonathan Mak Ka-long.
A research team in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at the LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has conducted a pioneering study that found an association between walking speed and cancer risk. The researchers found that individuals who walk faster have a markedly lower overall risk of developing cancer, particularly lung cancer. This association was consistent regardless of whether walking speed was self-reported or objectively measured.
This large-scale prospective cohort study analysed data from over 430,000 UK Biobank participants and validated the findings in a Hong Kong cohort. The results suggest that the 'quality' of walking—specifically speed—may offer more preventive value than the 'quantity' of walking. Walking speed could serve as a simple indicator for cancer risk, thus aiding in developing personalised cancer-prevention strategies. The study was published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle [link to the publication].
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with nearly 20 million new cases diagnosed each year[1]. Current guidelines from the American Cancer Society[2] recommend regular physical activity and muscle-strengthening exercises to help prevent cancer. As the most common and accessible form of physical activity, walking has been a key focus for health promotion.
Previous studies have focused mainly on the relationship between walking duration and frequency with cancer incidence and mortality. However, walking speed, often regarded as a 'vital sign' of overall health, has received less attention in cancer research. According to Professor Cheung Ching-lung, Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at HKUMed, walking speed is a quick and reliable measure of physical function, and has been associated with age-related diseases, like cardiovascular disease and dementia, as well as mortality. Recent research also suggests that skeletal muscle plays a role in regulating inflammatory and metabolic pathways, which may help explain the biological link between walking speed and cancer risk.
Fast walking may reduce lung cancer risk by up to 53%
Researchers at HKUMed examined the link between walking speed and cancer risk using two distinct approaches: UK participants self-reported their walking pace, while those in Hong Kong underwent a timed six-metre walking test. The findings showed that fast walkers in the UK had a 13% lower overall risk of developing cancer, while those in Hong Kong had a 45% decrease. The most significant drop was observed in lung cancer, with risk falling by up to 53%, suggesting that faster walking may help protect the respiratory system and reduce cancer risk. Further mediation analysis revealed that about a quarter of this protective effect could be attributed to lower levels of inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein and white blood cell count) and improved lipid metabolism indicators (including total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) among fast walkers. These factors contribute to reduced cancer risk.
Walking speed as a simple and reliable indicator of health
'These findings provide healthcare professionals with a practical and easily assessable tool to identify individuals at higher risk of cancer,' commented Professor Cheung Ching-lung. 'Our research suggests that the health benefits of walking are not just about how much you walk—how fast you walk matters too. These results support public health efforts to encourage people to walk with purpose and energy and highlight the importance of incorporating walking into comprehensive cancer-prevention strategies.'
Although the study was observational, its large sample size and long follow-up periods—a median of 10.9 years for the UK cohort and 6.9 years for the Hong Kong group—lend strong credibility to the findings. The consistency of results across ethnically distinct populations further strengthens the scientific basis for using walking speed as a meaningful health indicator.
'Walking speed may be an important marker of physiological resilience linked to cancer risk,' said Professor Cheung. 'The lower levels of inflammation and healthier lipid profiles observed among fast walkers support the hypothesis that they may be in better overall health. This makes walking speed a simple but effective tool for assessing health status. The study also opens new avenues for future research, including exploring whether walking faster could help cancer patients recover more effectively and reduce the risk of developing cancer.'
About the research team
The research was led by Professor Cheung Ching-lung, Associate Professor from the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, HKUMed. The first author was Dr Jonathan Mak Ka-long, Post-doctoral fellow from the same department. Other co-authors included Professor Kathryn Tan Choon-beng from the Department of Medicine of the School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed; and Dr Juulia Jylhävä and Dr Sara Hägg from the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden.
